The Marrow Thieves

Gr 8 Up--In a dystopian future, a young Metis boy, Frenchie, comes of age while fleeing capture. Along with a group of Indigenous young people and their leader, Miig, they resist the constant threat of being harvested for their dream-carrying bone marrow. Growing up on the run, Frenchie learns how to hunt, trap, and keep moving north to survive, but climate change has caused chaos and collapse around the world. The group must escape the Recruiters, who cause loved ones to disappear forever, and adapt to harsh conditions. Through "Story," told by Miig, the protagonist learns about history, his culture, and how precious they both are in a society that seeks to process his people like cattle. Fans of Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien and The Chrysalids by John Wyndham will enjoy this character-driven work of science fiction. Like those authors, Dimaline writes elegant prose that grabs the reader and carries them into this dark and passionate world. The author has created a rich work of postapocalyptic fiction without the dense exposition often found in the genre. VERDICT A riveting science fiction novel that is a must-buy for any library seeking to expand their teen collections.--Meaghan Nichols, Archaeological Research Associates, Ont.