From the Publisher
A Kirkus Reviews Editors' Pick
"Kinew presents readers with another well-paced novel set in a vividly realized world in which young people create new paths that are grounded in community and cultural continuity." —Kirkus Reviews
"A great sequel that tackles grief and AI while infusing Indigenous culture."
—School Library Journal
"Packed with action and emotion. . . . [T]here is something for everyone, whether Indigenous or not, in this exciting novel." —CM Reviews
School Library Journal
02/23/2024
Gr 9 Up—This sequel to Walking in Two Worlds delves once again into the dual realms—virtual and tangible—where a teenage girl grapples with grief, faces adversaries, and matures in self-assurance. Starting shortly after the loss of Bugz's elder brother, Waawaate, to cancer, the narrative promptly plunges readers back into the unfolding drama. Despite being officially in a relationship with Feng, a Uighur residing on the reservation with his doctor aunt, Bugz's profound sorrow draws her into the virtual Floraverse, where she creates a digital version of Waawaate in search of solace. Concurrently, the hostile players who had targeted Bugz in the Floraverse resurface, now becoming the focal point of the increasingly potent and uncontrollable Waawaate-bot. Crossing boundaries between worlds in inexplicable ways, the virtual entity poses a threat. Witnessing the unintended consequences of her creation prompts Bugz to reassess her coping mechanisms for her brother's loss, especially as Feng receives startling news from China. The narrative also follows Waawaate's journey through Gaagigewekinaa, the Everlasting Road, in the afterlife. Kinew, of Anishinaabe descent, skillfully presents another well-paced novel within a richly depicted world where young individuals carve out innovative paths grounded in community and cultural heritage. The story seamlessly integrates thrills with contemplative and poignant explorations of love and loss. Includes an author's note, resources, and Anishinaabe terms and pronunciation guide. VERDICT A great sequel that tackles grief and AI while infusing Indigenous culture.—Amy Zembroski
Kirkus Reviews
2022-11-29
This sequel to Walking in Two Worlds (2021) returns readers to the virtual and real worlds in which a teen girl navigates grief, confronts those who wish to undermine her, and grows in self-confidence.
Picking up soon after Anishinaabe teen Bugz has lost her older brother, Waawaate, to cancer, the book immediately plunges readers back into the action. Bugz is officially dating Feng, the Uighur boy who lives on the reservation with his doctor aunt, but in the depths of her grief, she spends most of her time in the virtual realm of the Floraverse with her latest creation, a Waawaate-bot. Meanwhile, the hostile players who ganged up on Bugz in the Floraverse and even destroyed the sacred Thunderbird’s Nest on the Rez have become the target of the Waawaate-bot, who grows increasingly powerful, menacing, and out of control, crossing worlds in ways that should not be possible. Seeing the terrifying impact of her well-intentioned creation forces Bugz to look honestly at how she is coping with her brother’s loss, especially when Feng receives shocking news from China. The story also follows Waawaate as his soul travels Gaagigewekinaa, or the Everlasting Road, in the afterlife. Kinew (Anishinaabe) presents readers with another well-paced novel set in a vividly realized world in which young people create new paths that are grounded in community and cultural continuity.
Plenty of thrills alongside thoughtful, poignant explorations of love and loss. (Anishinaabe terms and pronunciation guide, author’s note, resources) (Science fiction. 12-18)
