Book 1 of 2: Tales from Gichi Gami Trilogy
Ninth-grader BJ Maki knows there is an evil presence on a killing spree in the hills above his Lake Superior home. And, thanks to strange messages he has been receiving, he knows that the Red Hand Warrior can help protect his family and community. But what he doesn’t know—until he climbs out of a mysterious cave—is that the warrior he is supposed to find lives five hundred years in the past.
The voice of Vision Quest
–Will Weaver, author of Memory Boy and Power & Light
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Ninth-grader BJ Maki knows there is an evil presence on a killing spree in the hills above his Lake Superior home. And, thanks to strange messages he has been receiving, he knows that the Red Hand Warrior can help protect his family and community. But what he doesn’t know—until he climbs out of a mysterious cave—is that the warrior he is supposed to find lives five hundred years in the past.
| Published | January 19, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Imprint | Calumet Editions |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 294 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1962834070 |
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.74 x 9 inches |
An audacious coming of age tale across cultures and time. Has the voice of Vision Quest.
—Will Weaver, author of Memory Boy and Power & Light
This is a wonderful, enlightening adventure for young and old alike. It’s steeped in the mystical, in very real indigenous skills all wrapped around an intriguing mystery and looming chaos. From our young protagonist to all those who are a part of his life, you’ll find really decent, caring people who will fight for what they believe in, and they’re all unique in some really wonderful ways. If you or your kids need some inspiration to get out in nature and really connect with it, this is the tale for you!
—Lafmore, verified review on Amazon
Saxton’s writings come from the heart and show an intricate awareness of and respect for indigenous ideas and philosophies. His writing style is straight forward and maintains depth throughout, reminding me of Stephen King and Joseph Cambell. The context of the story also hit home for me as I related to the protagonist in their struggle to understand the role we play in our community and what it means to tackle the barriers to personal growth. Very memorable characters who live in a flushed-out world. This book is ideal for both youth and adults.
—Jeffrey Eide, verified review on Amazon
his story is told with a great reverence of nature, of the Ojibwa culture, and of family and friendship. The author uses humor and compelling story telling based on the multi-cultural experience and the lives of the indigenous people of the continent since the arrival of the first European immigrants to the Americas. The book is gripping, thoughtful, and funny. My children and grandchildren and I have all loved the author’s descriptive writing as well as his dialogue and plot.
—Pahasapa Belle, verified review on Amazon
Saxton knows the north woods, and his respect for and enjoyment of Ojibwe culture is obvious. He also knows kids, and doesn’t patronize them. The touches of fantasy, time-travel, and mystery make for a great, page-turning reading experience. I look forward to B.J. and Charley discovering more on the shores of the Big Lake!
—Johannes Beta, verified review on Amazon
Shades of a Warrior is an amazing love letter from Rob Saxton to the north woods of Minnesota and the many characters, both native and immigrant that inhabit it. Incredibly funny and occasionally irreverent, the book celebrates youth, self-discovery and the natural world around us, reminding us of our place in it and the need to take care of it and each other. Awesome read!
—Lake Harriet Elementary, verified review on Amazon
Saxton knows the north woods, and his respect for and enjoyment of Ojibwe culture is obvious. He also knows kids, and doesn’t patronize them. The touches of fantasy, time-travel, and mystery make for a great, page-turning reading experience. I look forward to B.J. and Charley discovering more on the shores of the Big Lake!
–Johannes Beta, verified review on Amazon
Shades of a Warrior is an amazing love letter from Rob Saxton to the north woods of Minnesota and the many characters, both native and immigrant that inhabit it. Incredibly funny and occasionally irreverent, the book celebrates youth, self-discovery and the natural world around us, reminding us of our place in it and the need to take care of it and each other. Awesome read!
–Lake Harriet Elementary, verified review on Amazon
