Surviving the City

Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape--they're so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez's grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can't stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can't bring herself to go home and disappears. Miikwan is devastated, and the wound of her missing mother resurfaces. Will Dez's community find her before it's too late? Will Miikwan be able to cope if they don't?

Author: Tasha Spillett
Publisher: Highwater Press
Published: 03/01/2019
Pages: 56
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.36lbs
Size: 9.80h x 6.30w x 0.30d
ISBN: 9781553797562
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 513308 / Surviving the City


Award: American Indian Youth Literature Award - Honor Book


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2019 pg. 119
Publishers Weekly 03/18/2019
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2019

About the Author
Tasha Spillett-Sumner (she/her/hers) draws her strength from both her Nehiyaw and Trinidadian bloodlines. She is a celebrated educator, poet, and emerging scholar. Tasha is most heart-tied to contributing to community-led work that centres on land and water defence, and the protection of Indigenous women and girls. Tasha is currently working on her PhD in Education through the University of Saskatchewan, where she holds a Vanier Canada Award.