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Totem
As an orphaned white boy in a school full of Native students, fourteen-year-old Jonny Joe isn't like any of the others at the island Redemption Residential School off the west coast. When the advances of Father Gregory disturb Jonny, he joins another boy in an escape to a mountain cave. But when they leave the cave, the world as they knew it no longer exists.
The boys travel to a native village in a sheltered bay, where Jonny becomes skilled in the art of carving. When a steamship enters the cove, the party of sightseers brings a disease that annihilates most of the people in the village. Meanwhile, Jonny has learned the secret of his past and when he returns to the present, Jonny carves a totem pole to honour the members of the village.
The boys travel to a native village in a sheltered bay, where Jonny becomes skilled in the art of carving. When a steamship enters the cove, the party of sightseers brings a disease that annihilates most of the people in the village. Meanwhile, Jonny has learned the secret of his past and when he returns to the present, Jonny carves a totem pole to honour the members of the village.
- GenresYoung AdultCanada
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 2, 2026
I (with ever increasing textual frustration) cursorily skimmed over Jennifer Maruno's 2014 middle grade Residential School novel Totem on Internet Archive (Open Library) and sadly, with me not AT ALL enjoying and not being able to even remotely appreciate the thematics and the contents of Maruno's featured storyline. For yes and indeed, there are in my humble opinion some hugely problematic and inexcusable textual issues to be encountered in Totem (and enough so that I really am only able to consider a one star rating for Totem and to also not feel any guilt or contrition whatsoever regarding this either).
For one, it is for me rather massively frustrating that Jennifer Maruno (who also is not First Nations, who is not Native Canadian) not only sets Totem in a rather vague and not sufficiently specific to geographic place region of Canada (I am assuming probably British Columbia, but that is not made all that textually clear by Maruno, and I am in fact only considering B.C. due to the book title being Totem and that totem poles are common to and for First Nations tribes of British Columbia) and that her First Nations characters also do not seem to belong to specific and identifiable tribes either (and thus are generally depicted as woefully and cringingly stereotypically generic).
For two, Jennifer Maruno making Jonny, making a non First Nations and blond-haired orphan as the main protagonist in Totem, I not only find that rather problematic and disrespectful in and of itself for a Residential School story, but yes, this also and hugely annoyingly focuses the reader too much on Jonny (on the outsider, on the non Native Canadian) and therefore also takes much away from the huge and all encompassing harm done by Residential Schools (the forced removal of First Nations children from their families and the deliberate eradication of their culture, language etc., the in my opinion trivialisation of horrible and officially government and religiously sanctioned as well as enforced genocide).
And for three, there is just too much of that oh so popular with many non First Nations authors "magical Indian" trope prevalent in Totem, which just totally and utterly makes me furious and once more trivialises the horridly painful reality of the Residential School experience and the truth of what was happening to, what was being deliberately visited upon Native Canadian children, who had basically been kidnapped, had been stolen from their parents, from their families, their communities, who were imprisoned and often tortured at school and that Residential School was meant to forcibly take the "Indian" out of First Nations children.
Finally, Jennifer Maruno's writing for Totem actually flows sufficiently clearly, easily and is thus stylistically more than suitable for the age group for whom Totem is conceptualised (for children from about the age of nine to twelve or thirteen in my opinion), although those time-travel episodes of Totem and that Jonny (and Ernie) are immediately accepted in the First Nations village they encounter and that they also have no trouble at all fitting into the past are a bit unbelievable and unrealistic. But well, Maruno's level of research and her respect for he subject matter she is using is (at least for me) really sadly and all majorly lacking, and while Totem obviously sets out to tell a story of Native Canadian, of First Nations children and their often (if not generally) horrible experiences while attending Residential School, Jennifer Maruno's story, her words, they are too artificially magical, too sanitised and therefore also way too distanced from the truth of what actually and in reality happened to be in any manner a worthwhile introduction (and as such not at all to be recommended by any stretch of my imagination).
For one, it is for me rather massively frustrating that Jennifer Maruno (who also is not First Nations, who is not Native Canadian) not only sets Totem in a rather vague and not sufficiently specific to geographic place region of Canada (I am assuming probably British Columbia, but that is not made all that textually clear by Maruno, and I am in fact only considering B.C. due to the book title being Totem and that totem poles are common to and for First Nations tribes of British Columbia) and that her First Nations characters also do not seem to belong to specific and identifiable tribes either (and thus are generally depicted as woefully and cringingly stereotypically generic).
For two, Jennifer Maruno making Jonny, making a non First Nations and blond-haired orphan as the main protagonist in Totem, I not only find that rather problematic and disrespectful in and of itself for a Residential School story, but yes, this also and hugely annoyingly focuses the reader too much on Jonny (on the outsider, on the non Native Canadian) and therefore also takes much away from the huge and all encompassing harm done by Residential Schools (the forced removal of First Nations children from their families and the deliberate eradication of their culture, language etc., the in my opinion trivialisation of horrible and officially government and religiously sanctioned as well as enforced genocide).
And for three, there is just too much of that oh so popular with many non First Nations authors "magical Indian" trope prevalent in Totem, which just totally and utterly makes me furious and once more trivialises the horridly painful reality of the Residential School experience and the truth of what was happening to, what was being deliberately visited upon Native Canadian children, who had basically been kidnapped, had been stolen from their parents, from their families, their communities, who were imprisoned and often tortured at school and that Residential School was meant to forcibly take the "Indian" out of First Nations children.
Finally, Jennifer Maruno's writing for Totem actually flows sufficiently clearly, easily and is thus stylistically more than suitable for the age group for whom Totem is conceptualised (for children from about the age of nine to twelve or thirteen in my opinion), although those time-travel episodes of Totem and that Jonny (and Ernie) are immediately accepted in the First Nations village they encounter and that they also have no trouble at all fitting into the past are a bit unbelievable and unrealistic. But well, Maruno's level of research and her respect for he subject matter she is using is (at least for me) really sadly and all majorly lacking, and while Totem obviously sets out to tell a story of Native Canadian, of First Nations children and their often (if not generally) horrible experiences while attending Residential School, Jennifer Maruno's story, her words, they are too artificially magical, too sanitised and therefore also way too distanced from the truth of what actually and in reality happened to be in any manner a worthwhile introduction (and as such not at all to be recommended by any stretch of my imagination).
January 24, 2014
I read this book through Net Galley. This book could have been much more robust and detailed. The book starts suddenly and the characters are underwhelming. Everyone is typecast and even the main character seems one-dimensional. Jonny Joe is a foundling child living, permanently, in a residential school for Native Canadian (indigenous?) children run by nuns and priests. Of course the Natives aren't there willingly--there is a dedicated Indian Agent to (basically) kidnap Native children and bring them to the school for indoctrination. More time could have been spent on meeting Jonny and letting the reader become emotionally attached to him. As it was, I struggled to care when poor Jonny was set upon by a lacivious Father Gregory. Even when Ernie arrives in the story, a wild and defiant Native boy, I wasn't invested in his character. Part of the problem is that this book lacks any sort of explanation or set-up--as a reader from the U.S., I'm not sure where they are, what's going on, what the time period is, why the heck the government is interested in rounding up Native kids, etc.
Things start to get interesting when Jonny Joe and his newfound ally Ernie basically go back in time and recover their lost culture and identity by living with a native tribe. Jonny is finally home. The story lingers a little too long in this middle section--where the boys become part of the native language, rituals, and rhythm--but this is also where the writing is strongest. Near the end of the book, colonists come to the island, full of assumptions and condescension towards the native peoples. Old Tom, who arrives with the colonists, is the most colorful character in the book.
When Ernie and Jonny are transported back to their time, they discover that their school/home, Redemption Residential, has burned down. Jonny is changed and rewarded with some closure about his past. All in all, the idea for this book is solid. Too little time is spent at the beginning and end, too little details are given. But it is beautiful, in its way, and I'm grateful for the glimpse I've been given of a different life and a different time.
Things start to get interesting when Jonny Joe and his newfound ally Ernie basically go back in time and recover their lost culture and identity by living with a native tribe. Jonny is finally home. The story lingers a little too long in this middle section--where the boys become part of the native language, rituals, and rhythm--but this is also where the writing is strongest. Near the end of the book, colonists come to the island, full of assumptions and condescension towards the native peoples. Old Tom, who arrives with the colonists, is the most colorful character in the book.
When Ernie and Jonny are transported back to their time, they discover that their school/home, Redemption Residential, has burned down. Jonny is changed and rewarded with some closure about his past. All in all, the idea for this book is solid. Too little time is spent at the beginning and end, too little details are given. But it is beautiful, in its way, and I'm grateful for the glimpse I've been given of a different life and a different time.
December 13, 2017
Interesting local time-travel adventure that seems weirdly misclassified. This is absolutely a Middle Grade/Children's read. It's Coastal First Nations-meets-Hatchet-plus-Time-Travel.
There's a blond orphan in an island residential school in the 20th century. A new friend escapes with him to a cave where they travel to the 19th century and blondie learns totem carving and gets a spirit animal. The resolution isn't really great; the kids don't really do much other than learn and get some better choices for the future. Arguably, the protagonist may actually be a wolf spirit, since it seems to be what moves the story forward throughout. Which would be a great twist if it had been developed more. What is cool is reading some great historical details and recognizing a very Pacific Northwest/BC/Coastal First Nations setting. But no idea why this was classified as YA. Some glancing mentions of kids being molested and going missing would have been well within the acceptable range for MG-level dark. Recommended short read for ages 9-12 or so who are interested in local history.
There's a blond orphan in an island residential school in the 20th century. A new friend escapes with him to a cave where they travel to the 19th century and blondie learns totem carving and gets a spirit animal. The resolution isn't really great; the kids don't really do much other than learn and get some better choices for the future. Arguably, the protagonist may actually be a wolf spirit, since it seems to be what moves the story forward throughout. Which would be a great twist if it had been developed more. What is cool is reading some great historical details and recognizing a very Pacific Northwest/BC/Coastal First Nations setting. But no idea why this was classified as YA. Some glancing mentions of kids being molested and going missing would have been well within the acceptable range for MG-level dark. Recommended short read for ages 9-12 or so who are interested in local history.
January 26, 2014
Totem by Jennifer Maruno is a story of a young orphan boy named Johnny who is raised in a school for Native American children on an island in the Pacific Northwest. Johnny often has visions and dreams of a wolf and an old Native American man and the people tell stories about him being delivered to the school by a wolf. He has caught the attention of Father Gregory who is hinted at being a pedophile though we do not actually see this happen. One day he and a newcomer named Ernie accompany said Father to the mainland to get some chickens and runaway. They take refuge from the coming storm in a cave with old paintings on the walls and wake up a hundred years in the past. The rest of the story is about what happens there, the people Johnny and Ernie meet, the arrival of the ‘white men’, and their return to the original time period.
I could not help thinking, throughout this short book, that there was so much potential that went unrealized. The basic story line was there with the setting, time travel, Native American storytelling, dreams and a good cast of characters, but it left you wanting. Every event in the book seemed to be glossed over and the writing was very simple given the target age group of teens and YA. I found myself adding details to the book from my own knowledge of the Pacific Northwest (my family lives there) and Chinook Indians. I would love to recommend this book but without more meat on its bones, so to say, I would not. 2.5 stars
I could not help thinking, throughout this short book, that there was so much potential that went unrealized. The basic story line was there with the setting, time travel, Native American storytelling, dreams and a good cast of characters, but it left you wanting. Every event in the book seemed to be glossed over and the writing was very simple given the target age group of teens and YA. I found myself adding details to the book from my own knowledge of the Pacific Northwest (my family lives there) and Chinook Indians. I would love to recommend this book but without more meat on its bones, so to say, I would not. 2.5 stars
August 5, 2016
On the whole, this story of a white orphan boy raised in a native residential school had a lot of compelling details and a decent plot. I enjoyed the magical shift to the past, although I found it somewhat predictable, and I appreciate that Maruno clearly made an effort to truly depict the horrors of the residential school and to carefully imagine early pacific northwest tribal life.
What I don't get is why the main character of the book is white. I also don't really find it believeable that this character should somehow be able to demonstrate master level carving skills after spending such a short time learning that trade. It is not exactly clear how long he spends learning, but he watches the creation of one pole, then comes back to his current day life with a magical ability to not only carve the poles, but also understand all the symbolism of each character and accurately depict them. Sorry, I flat out don't buy it. And if the plan is for it to be a magical ability, why didn't the native character come back with a similar magic ability?
Debbie Reese is going to have a field day with this one.
My copy provided by Edelweiss.
What I don't get is why the main character of the book is white. I also don't really find it believeable that this character should somehow be able to demonstrate master level carving skills after spending such a short time learning that trade. It is not exactly clear how long he spends learning, but he watches the creation of one pole, then comes back to his current day life with a magical ability to not only carve the poles, but also understand all the symbolism of each character and accurately depict them. Sorry, I flat out don't buy it. And if the plan is for it to be a magical ability, why didn't the native character come back with a similar magic ability?
Debbie Reese is going to have a field day with this one.
My copy provided by Edelweiss.
January 19, 2014
If you are looking for an intelligent, interesting book about the forceful Catholic conversion of Native Americans, you might want to keep looking. This book is full of mediocre (at best) writing, and dumbed down language for young readers (for example, literally explaining what is happening by including it in the dialogue). The whole time I was reading it I had no idea what was happening because it is just an endless stream of bizarre things happening that made no sense. And also, the idea that a white boy is important and magical to the Native Americans made me roll my eyes. I get that this book wanted to be an exciting Native American adventure but it was actually stupid and offensive.
January 25, 2014
This book captivated me from the get-go. It begins in a residential school in BC's north and, using a time slip, sends the MCs back before the smallpox scourge around 1860 to live in a village of their ancestors. The combination works very well indeed.
It's accuracy and compelling characters, along with the First Nation myths and legends, makes it a page-turner. It also ends happily, which is not always the case, but fits with the characters' growth.
I heartily recommend it for adults as well as its target of school students.
It's accuracy and compelling characters, along with the First Nation myths and legends, makes it a page-turner. It also ends happily, which is not always the case, but fits with the characters' growth.
I heartily recommend it for adults as well as its target of school students.
Did Not Finish
January 23, 2020dnf ~15% in
oof
oof
November 22, 2025
"Totem" by Jennifer Maruno is a must-read because it offers a powerful and moving exploration of identity, family, and history. The novel sheds light on the experiences of Japanese-Canadians during World War II, a period often overlooked in mainstream narratives. By delving into themes of racism, cultural heritage, and the impact of historical events on personal lives, "Totem" encourages readers to reflect on the importance of understanding and remembering the past.
The story is engaging and accessible, making it a compelling read for young adults. Through well-developed characters and vivid descriptions, Jennifer Maruno brings to life the challenges and triumphs of a community facing prejudice and injustice. "Totem" not only entertains but also educates, fostering empathy and promoting a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting important conversations and inspiring a greater appreciation for the stories that shape our world.
The story is engaging and accessible, making it a compelling read for young adults. Through well-developed characters and vivid descriptions, Jennifer Maruno brings to life the challenges and triumphs of a community facing prejudice and injustice. "Totem" not only entertains but also educates, fostering empathy and promoting a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting important conversations and inspiring a greater appreciation for the stories that shape our world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2019
Good short book. Interesting take on magical realism which includes a little time travel.
February 27, 2014
My copy was provided by Netgalley.
Jonny Joe was abandoned at a school for Native Americans. He is the only white boy at his school and it's blatantly obvious how different he is. But he feels at home there even though he doesn't really have friends. He thinks of the Fathers as parents or at least a part of his family. But when Ernie arrived at the school, Jonny Joe learns that there is more to life than the school. Ernie is a wild Native boy who just wants to get out of that school and as he plans to run away, Jonny Joe contemplates on going with him or not.
His decision is made for him when one of the Fathers, Father Gregory, makes inappropriate contact with Jonny Joe and Jonny runs away with Ernie. Yet life isn't that simple as the two find themselves in a native village where Jonny Joe might just learn who he really is and what his past is.
This book needs more background information. When I started reading this, I had no idea what time period it is. The year is never mentioned and the location of this school was never revealed. It was confusing to expect what will happen when you don't even know the time period. It would have also been beneficial for there to be a back story as I was kinda going into this blind. I don't know why there were schools that basically kidnap Native Americans and I still don't know why.
I didn't get much of an emotional attachment to Jonny Joe or Ernie. I never got to see into Jonny Joe's eyes and feel a connection to him. I didn't know his feelings or his wants and dreams. I would've like if Jonny Joe developed more character and if I could've learned more about him as a person.
The middle section of the book was fun and I enjoyed it even though it got a little boring at times. Much more detail was included in this section and it was interesting. The development of the characters was strong and I could almost relate to Jonny Joe.
The ending felt way too easy and too perfectly resolved. It ended too early to have much of a substance and, like the beginning, the ending didn't have a whole lot of details.
This book sounded interesting and I really like the whole time travel part of it, but I felt as if some things were glossed over and left out. The book just basically left me wanting more the whole time, but it was a fast, short read that kept me entertained for the most part.
Jonny Joe was abandoned at a school for Native Americans. He is the only white boy at his school and it's blatantly obvious how different he is. But he feels at home there even though he doesn't really have friends. He thinks of the Fathers as parents or at least a part of his family. But when Ernie arrived at the school, Jonny Joe learns that there is more to life than the school. Ernie is a wild Native boy who just wants to get out of that school and as he plans to run away, Jonny Joe contemplates on going with him or not.
His decision is made for him when one of the Fathers, Father Gregory, makes inappropriate contact with Jonny Joe and Jonny runs away with Ernie. Yet life isn't that simple as the two find themselves in a native village where Jonny Joe might just learn who he really is and what his past is.
This book needs more background information. When I started reading this, I had no idea what time period it is. The year is never mentioned and the location of this school was never revealed. It was confusing to expect what will happen when you don't even know the time period. It would have also been beneficial for there to be a back story as I was kinda going into this blind. I don't know why there were schools that basically kidnap Native Americans and I still don't know why.
I didn't get much of an emotional attachment to Jonny Joe or Ernie. I never got to see into Jonny Joe's eyes and feel a connection to him. I didn't know his feelings or his wants and dreams. I would've like if Jonny Joe developed more character and if I could've learned more about him as a person.
The middle section of the book was fun and I enjoyed it even though it got a little boring at times. Much more detail was included in this section and it was interesting. The development of the characters was strong and I could almost relate to Jonny Joe.
The ending felt way too easy and too perfectly resolved. It ended too early to have much of a substance and, like the beginning, the ending didn't have a whole lot of details.
This book sounded interesting and I really like the whole time travel part of it, but I felt as if some things were glossed over and left out. The book just basically left me wanting more the whole time, but it was a fast, short read that kept me entertained for the most part.
August 17, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It was a short but entertaining read on a subject that I really haven't read much about before.
Jonny is an orphaned child living at the Redemption Residential School. He realized very quickly that he was different from the other children there as he was the only white child while the rest were Native students of the islands.
The Catholic school is very strict and each boy is given a job to do. Jonny has some upsetting encounters with Father Gregory who continually makes inappropriate advances. One day a Native boy named Ernie is brought to the school and Jonny befriends him right away. Ernie's father was arrested and his family is known for being disruptive.
Ernie tells Jonny about a cave that they could escape to until his father is released from jail in six months. Father Gregory takes Jonny and Ernie with him to bring chickens back to the school to add to the new chicken house and Jonny and Ernie plan their getaway accordingly.
They reach the cave right before a giant thunderstorm hits and are then transported back in time to a native village. Jonny is trained on totem pole carving and becomes very close with the chief of the village.
There are some more big plot points but I don't want to give everything away. I really struggled to get into this book at the beginning. The scenes with Father Gregory were uncomfortable and honestly made me not want to continue reading it. However, aside from that part of the story line, I really enjoyed reading about Jonny and how his character progressed in this short historical fiction book.
Jonny is an orphaned child living at the Redemption Residential School. He realized very quickly that he was different from the other children there as he was the only white child while the rest were Native students of the islands.
The Catholic school is very strict and each boy is given a job to do. Jonny has some upsetting encounters with Father Gregory who continually makes inappropriate advances. One day a Native boy named Ernie is brought to the school and Jonny befriends him right away. Ernie's father was arrested and his family is known for being disruptive.
Ernie tells Jonny about a cave that they could escape to until his father is released from jail in six months. Father Gregory takes Jonny and Ernie with him to bring chickens back to the school to add to the new chicken house and Jonny and Ernie plan their getaway accordingly.
They reach the cave right before a giant thunderstorm hits and are then transported back in time to a native village. Jonny is trained on totem pole carving and becomes very close with the chief of the village.
There are some more big plot points but I don't want to give everything away. I really struggled to get into this book at the beginning. The scenes with Father Gregory were uncomfortable and honestly made me not want to continue reading it. However, aside from that part of the story line, I really enjoyed reading about Jonny and how his character progressed in this short historical fiction book.
August 7, 2015
Actual rating- 3.5
More! I wanted nothing but more of this awesome book. My only criticism is that the book lacks details, day and weeks are glossed over and we don't truly get encased in the setting and characters of the story. Its more like seeing an overview than actually getting into the details of what could be a great story. I wish she had made the book longer and really told us more of the day to day like of Jimmy Joe when he was in the past and ore about his biological family at the end. I feel like this could have been an epic journey instead of a drive by.
I still greatly enjoy the book and understand why greater detail wasn't given. The subject of Anishinabe and first nations peoples is a touchy one. I am from northern Ontario where these issues are present everyday and an author must be delicate to write something that is respectful while making sure that people think of it as a story and not as a 'guide to native customs and beliefs' as other books of this subject matter have been , especially when they are written by Caucasian people. I give her props for writing something that was enjoyable and respectful.
More! I wanted nothing but more of this awesome book. My only criticism is that the book lacks details, day and weeks are glossed over and we don't truly get encased in the setting and characters of the story. Its more like seeing an overview than actually getting into the details of what could be a great story. I wish she had made the book longer and really told us more of the day to day like of Jimmy Joe when he was in the past and ore about his biological family at the end. I feel like this could have been an epic journey instead of a drive by.
I still greatly enjoy the book and understand why greater detail wasn't given. The subject of Anishinabe and first nations peoples is a touchy one. I am from northern Ontario where these issues are present everyday and an author must be delicate to write something that is respectful while making sure that people think of it as a story and not as a 'guide to native customs and beliefs' as other books of this subject matter have been , especially when they are written by Caucasian people. I give her props for writing something that was enjoyable and respectful.
August 10, 2016
I received this book from netgalley in return for my honest review.
This is the story of an orphaned white boy who is living in an school with a group of native american children. After being left disturbed by the actions of a priest there, he and another student run away. After they run away, they realize they are somehow in the past.
This was an okay book. It could have been much better if some of it was fleshed out more. It was kind of underwhelming for me as an adult. I imagine older elementary and middle school students would enjoy it and I would recommend it to them and to our school library.
This is the story of an orphaned white boy who is living in an school with a group of native american children. After being left disturbed by the actions of a priest there, he and another student run away. After they run away, they realize they are somehow in the past.
This was an okay book. It could have been much better if some of it was fleshed out more. It was kind of underwhelming for me as an adult. I imagine older elementary and middle school students would enjoy it and I would recommend it to them and to our school library.
February 5, 2014
ARC from NetGalley.com
Totem is the semi supernatural story of Jonny, a young white boy living in an orphanage where the priests are cruel and abusive. Jonny and his friend Ernie escape from the orphanage and discover themselves as they stay with a village of Indians and learn their ways. Totem was an enjoyable, quick read, although the characters were a bit two dimensional. The twist was pretty easy to deduce, if it was a twist at all, but the ending left me wanting more and not in a good way. It felt incomplete somehow, like I missed something.
Totem is the semi supernatural story of Jonny, a young white boy living in an orphanage where the priests are cruel and abusive. Jonny and his friend Ernie escape from the orphanage and discover themselves as they stay with a village of Indians and learn their ways. Totem was an enjoyable, quick read, although the characters were a bit two dimensional. The twist was pretty easy to deduce, if it was a twist at all, but the ending left me wanting more and not in a good way. It felt incomplete somehow, like I missed something.
February 7, 2014
I liked the book because of the subject matter. I think it's a very important subject and love reading books that deal with Native American culture and the terror of residential schools.
I liked how the author handled the intermixing of cultures (a little white boy, who is in tune with legends, spirituality and symbolism. He has been around all the native boys and doesn't make a difference between himself and them.
I thought this was a good book.
I liked how the author handled the intermixing of cultures (a little white boy, who is in tune with legends, spirituality and symbolism. He has been around all the native boys and doesn't make a difference between himself and them.
I thought this was a good book.
February 18, 2015
Jonny Joe is an orphaned white boy, found by the priests of a residential school in British Columbia. One summer, as all the other children leave with their families, Jonny meets Ernie, an aboriginal boy who has managed to evade the school until now. They decide to run away together only to find a mystical cave where ancient magic changes them. Fast paced and easy to read, Totem is a great tool for teaching tweens about Aboriginal culture and West Coast history.
January 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, which combines fantasy with historical fiction. I loved the powerful imagery of B.C. and the way the author allows the reader to feel connected to the history of the area by 'seeing' it from two different time periods. It also shares some important history on the experiences of native Canadians. It was a great introduction to historical fiction for my daughter.
October 23, 2015
Totem not only depicts the horrors of residential school but also celebrates healing through the arts and study of tradition. Jonny Joe is an in-between kid, half native, have white who suffers the attentions of Father Gregory. An escape into the past helps him to celebrate native honour.
April 14, 2015
A good book to learn about history of the native people. The main characters and scenes come alive for the reader. I just kept turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews