Bear Magic: An Ojibwe Story by Chris Waite

off the wall
Written By Angela Meady

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

Angela Meady

Angela Meady is a lifelong lover of reading who grew up in a house full of kids and books in the East End. After getting degrees at U of T, she was a librarian, supporting literacy and finding the perfect book for others. She enjoyed watching children who attended her storytimes return with children of their own. She writes and edits books, including two on Slovak Canadian history published in 2024. Angela lives with her writer partner and dramatic black cat.

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