ReviewsThis first volume in a projected trilogy is a mash-up of sorts--thriller, superhero origin story, old-fashioned science fiction, and YA coming-of-age. Its Indigenous imagery and cultural references bring these genres and their conventions into an invigorating context, often with refreshing ironic humor and always with ample reference to pop culture ... the story's tantalizing mystery pulls readers on., Indigenous and non-indigenous readers will enjoy the setting of Wounded Sky, the character of Cole and the other Indigenous characters in the book. There are murders and mysteries which are never completely solved, a hint of romance which is never entirely fulfilled, and the supernatural plays a large role in the plot. Something for everyone - and many readers will anticipate the next book in the series. - Ann Ketcheson,Canadian Review of Materials, This first volume in a projected trilogy is a mash-up of sorts#8212thriller, superhero origin story, old-fashioned science fiction, and YA coming-of-age. Its Indigenous imagery and cultural references bring these genres and their conventions into an invigorating context, often with refreshing ironic humor and always with ample reference to pop culture., Within the very opening pages of Strangers , Cole Harper had already burrowed his way deep into my heart. I raced through the chapters, fearing for this young hero, his friends, and his wider community. David Robertson has written a riveting story of a young man burdened with adult responsibilities. Robertson's true skill, though, comes in the way he balances the intense peril with humour and magic and love and resilience. Teachers, get this novel into your classrooms. I want everyone to read Strangers . - Angie Abdou, author of In Case I Go, Among spring break reads recommended by librarians as great books for kids and teens. --Vancouver Sun Why We Love It: Written by an Indigenous author and featuring an Indigenous hero, this book is a murder mystery tinged by fantasy. https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/books/spring-break-reads-for-kids-and-teens-as-recommended-by-vancouver-area-librarians, In Strangers , Robertson has managed to poetically embrace culture while challenging it. Facing real life issues of mental illness and poverty, and making a statement by letting people assess situations. [...] It's a novel written for a young audience that can make adults think. - Melissa Hansen, The Projector, [T] he indigenous Canadian viewpoint gives insights into First Nations life and a truly original superhero for the beginning of this new series. Recommended., The tone deftly oscillates between moodiness and humor, capturing the angst of the tale's teens without becoming self-serious. Though this is very much an archetypal story, the blend of Native American fantasy elements and a noirish Canadian setting make this a memorable addition to the genre. A promising first episode of a new series with a striking hero and a coyote spirit., Strangers has it all - vivid and imaginatively crafted characters, a propulsive and energetic plot, brilliant dialogue, and a series of mysteries that make us think in a new way about the world we inhabit. The story skillfully unfolds, and the characters - the spirit beings and the human ones - are utterly convincing. This book is a page turner and lingers in the memory. Strangers will resonate with and enthrall everyone, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers. - Warren Cariou, Canada Research Chair and Director, Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture, University of Manitoba, This first volume in a projected trilogy is a mash-up of sorts--thriller, superhero origin story, old-fashioned science fiction, and YA coming-of-age. Its Indigenous imagery and cultural references bring these genres and their conventions into an invigorating context, often with refreshing ironic humor and always with ample reference to pop culture [...] the story's tantalizing mystery pulls readers on., "[T]he indigenous Canadian viewpoint gives insights into First Nations life and a truly original superhero for the beginning of this new series. Recommended ." - Tara J. Williams, English Teacher, Glade Spring (Virginia) Middle School, School Library Connection, Indigenous and non-indigenous readers will enjoy the setting of Wounded Sky, the character of Cole and the other Indigenous characters in the book. There are murders and mysteries which are never completely solved, a hint of romance which is never entirely fulfilled, and the supernatural plays a large role in the plot. Something for everyone - and many readers will anticipate the next book in the series., [T]he indigenous Canadian viewpoint gives insights into First Nations life and a truly original superhero for the beginning of this new series. Recommended. --Tara J. Williams for School Library Connection, Though the singularity of superpowers adds flair and excitement for readers, Robertson's spirited trilogy is ultimately rooted in a sense of community nurtured by compassion, hard work and a little bit of mischief., Robertson has a great ear for the teenage voice, and the resulting conversations are also imbued with healing powers as Cole reconnects with his friends, their families and his culture to rebuild the sense of community he had lost due to trauma [...] Strangers ends with lingering questions about both mysteries, but Robertson's impressive world-building, relatable dialogue and diverse cast of characters set the stage for a shape-shifting young adult series that is bound to be engaging, thought-provoking and a lot of fun. - Nyala Ali,Winnipeg Free Press, "The tone deftly oscillates between moodiness and humor, capturing the angst of the tale's teens without becoming self-serious. Though this is very much an archetypal story, the blend of Native American fantasy elements and a noirish Canadian setting make this a memorable addition to the genre. A promising first episode of a new series with a striking hero and a coyote spirit." - Kirkus Reviews, With fierce pace and terrific style, Robertson's novel Strangers pulls a reader straight into a world of intrigue, murder and revenge. Cole Harper, the main character, has a past that he refuses to face, which doesn't help his crippling anxiety, or his growing unease as he returns to his community. As more people die, Cole has to dig deep to find himself, and to start to piece together the mystery of his own story. Robertson explores themes of identity and belonging, but takes this classic YA narrative and makes it deeper, darker and more compelling. The humour and crackling dialogue keep even the most terrifying plot twists artful, and the novel is a fantastic entry into The Reckoner trilogy. I can't wait for the next book in this series... -Alice Kuipers
Grade FromNinth Grade
SynopsisWhen Cole Harper is compelled to return to Wounded Sky First Nation, he finds his community in chaos: a series of shocking murders, a mysterious illness ravaging the residents, and reemerging questions about Cole's role in the tragedy that drove him away 10 years ago. With the aid of an unhelpful spirit, a disfigured ghost, and his two oldest friends, Cole tries to figure out his purpose, and unravel the mysteries he left behind a decade ago. Will he find the answers in time to save his community? Strangers is the first novel in The Reckoner series by David Alexander Robertson, award-winning writer, and author of HighWater Press' acclaimed children's book When We Were Alone . Strangers is the winner of the Michael Van Rooy Award for Genre Fiction at the 2018 Manitoba Book Awards., A talking coyote, mysterious illnesses, and girl trouble. Coming home can be murder... When Cole Harper gets a mysterious message from an old friend begging him to come home, he has no idea what he's getting into. Compelled to return to Wounded Sky First Nation, Cole finds his community in chaos: a series of shocking murders, a mysterious illness ravaging the residents, and reemerging questions about Cole's role in the tragedy that drove him away 10 years ago. With the aid of an unhelpful spirit, a disfigured ghost, and his two oldest friends, Cole tries to figure out his purpose, and unravel the mysteries he left behind a decade ago. Will he find the answers in time to save his community?, From Governor General's Award-winning author David A. Robertson comes the first book in a compelling new trilogy. A talking coyote, mysterious illnesses, and girl trouble. Coming home can be murder... When Cole Harper gets a mysterious message from an old friend begging him to come home, he has no idea what he's getting into. Compelled to return to Wounded Sky First Nation, Cole finds his community in chaos: a series of shocking murders, a mysterious illness ravaging the residents, and reemerging questions about Cole's role in the tragedy that drove him away 10 years ago. With the aid of an unhelpful spirit, a disfigured ghost, and his two oldest friends, Cole tries to figure out his purpose, and unravel the mysteries he left behind a decade ago. Will he find the answers in time to save his community?