Angeline Boulley, the bestselling author of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed, returns with another deeply emotional masterpiece. Sisters in the Wind is a story that blends mystery, heritage, and resilience into a moving exploration of what it means to find home and identity after loss.
The Plot: A Girl Caught Between Worlds
Lucy Smith has been drifting through the foster care system ever since her father’s death five years ago. “Home” has become more of an idea than a real place. When a compassionate social worker named Mr. Jameson and his strong, watchful partner find her, Lucy learns the truth her father kept hidden she is Ojibwe. She has a grandmother, siblings, and a culture that’s been waiting for her all along.
But the past doesn’t let go easily. Someone is following her, and the secrets she carries threaten to destroy the fragile peace she’s beginning to find. What unfolds is a gripping mystery that weaves together the pain of the past with the hope of rediscovery.
A Harsh Truth about the Foster System
This novel does more than tell a story it holds a mirror to reality. Through Lucy’s experience, Boulley exposes how broken the foster care system can be, especially for Indigenous children separated from their heritage. Reviewer Jenny Reads A Lot described the book as “gut-wrenching, raw, and unfortunately accurate,” praising its honesty about trauma while also recognizing its message of hope.
The book also shines a light on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and how it can protect Native families when implemented with care. Boulley doesn’t shy away from pain, but she balances it with resilience and love.
Cultural Richness and Emotional Depth
As in her previous works, Boulley infuses Ojibwe culture throughout the narrative with deep respect and authenticity. Through Lucy’s eyes, readers are invited to rediscover language, stories, and traditions that heal and empower.
Kari, one of the early reviewers, perfectly captured the essence of the story with this line: “The ultimate survival game is for girls to survive into adulthood.” In Sisters in the Wind, that survival isn’t just physical it’s cultural, emotional, and spiritual.
The book alternates between Lucy’s past and present, gradually peeling back layers of pain and self-protection. In the process, Boulley gives readers moments of quiet beauty and hope, reminding us that healing is possible, even after years of loss.
A Cast of Real, Complex Characters
Lucy is a heroine who feels heartbreakingly real tough yet vulnerable, cautious yet full of longing. Around her are characters drawn in shades of light and dark: well-intentioned social workers, indifferent officials, loving relatives, and other children navigating their own traumas.
Cheryl Carey praised how Boulley brings even the secondary characters to life, showing the humanity in both victims and oppressors. The dual timelines keep the story moving quickly, leading to a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
Why This Story Matters
Sisters in the Wind is not just fiction it’s a reflection of truth. It calls attention to the struggles of Indigenous children and the importance of preserving cultural identity. It’s a story of survival, love, and reclaiming what was once lost.
Angeline Boulley once again proves her gift for storytelling that educates while it moves you. Her prose is poetic and powerful, her message timeless.
Final Thoughts
Sisters in the Wind is a must-read for anyone who values stories that are both heartbreaking and healing. It’s filled with cultural pride, emotional intensity, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re already a fan of Boulley’s work or discovering her for the first time, this book will stay with you long after the last page.
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
A beautifully written, powerful novel that will leave you both shattered and inspired.
👉 Get your copy of Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley here: Buy on Amazon
