The Song That Called Them Home

David A. Robertson, illustrated by Maya McKibben
Publisher: Tundra Books

Book Description

From the award-winning author of On the Trapline comes a cinematic fantasy-adventure story inspired by Indigenous legends.

One summer day, Lauren and her little brother, James, go on a trip to the land with their Moshom (grandfather). After they’ve arrived, the children decide to fish for dinner while Moshom naps. They are in their canoe in the middle of the lake when the water around them begins to swirl and crash. They are thrown overboard and when Lauren surfaces she sees her brother being pulled away by the Memekwesewak — creatures who live in and around water and like to interfere with humans. Lauren must follow the Memekwesewak through a portal and along a watery path to find and bring back James. But when she finally comes upon her brother, she too feels the lure of the Memekwesewak’s song. Something even stronger must pull them back home. 

Author Bio

David A. Robertson is the author of numerous books for young readers, including Governor General’s Literary Award winners On the Trapline and When We Were Alone. The Barren Grounds, the first book in the middle-grade Misewa Saga series, was shortlisted for many awards, including the Govenor General’s Award, the TD Award for Children’s Literature, and the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Award. It received a starred review from Kirkus and was a Kirkus, NPR, and Quill & Quire best middle-grade book of 2020, as well as a USBBY and Texas Lone Star selection. The Great Bear, the second book in the series, was also shortlisted for the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Award. The third book in the series, The Stone Child, won the McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award and was nominated for the Ontario Library Association’s Silver Birch Award. A sought-after speaker and educator, and winner of the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Freedom to Read Award, Dave is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg.

Illustrator Bio

Maya McKibbin is a Two-Spirited Ojibwe, Yoeme and Irish filmmaker, illustrator and storyteller. Using their education in computer graphics and interactive media, Maya’s work is rooted in the natural world and our relations to it. Maya’s previous picture book, Swift Fox All Along written by Rebecca Thomas, was nominated for numerous awards including a Governor General’s Literary Award.