Bear Magic: An Ojibwe Story by Chris Waite

Winter is the time for storytelling in the Anishinaabe tradition, so as the days get cooler and the darkness gets longer, this is the perfect time to discover a book like Bear Magic. Christopher Waite is an Ojibwe scholar of history and lover of stories and this, his first book in print, is a unique and highly enjoyable blend of fiction, traditional knowledge, fantasy, history, and a journey of self-discovery. It follows a young boy who was taken and raised by bears before reconnecting with his human family. His quest leads him to many magical characters and encounters with the stone people, a giant elk, a shape-shifting boy/sturgeon, a rock with ancient knowledge, and an engaging coyote who sometimes accompanies Bear-Child. His journey takes him forward and backward in time and through different dimensions as he discovers the world and himself. It is a book like few others and for readers of any age. Highly recommended.

-Angela Meady

5/5