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Find Her
Five years, three months, and twelve days.
That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing.
An Edgar Award Nominee
In dreams, Wren can see her her eyes, her hair, her smile. She can even hear her laugh. Her mother, one of hundreds of Native Americans considered missing or murdered in Oklahoma. Sometimes it seems like Wren and her grandmother are the only people still looking. Even more frustrating, Wren's overprotective father won't talk about it.
Wren refuses to give up, though. And an opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt. Soon, there are others.
With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask whoever is behind the animal abuse. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother's case. She'll just have to keep it secret from her father who will certainly put an end to all her sleuthing if he finds out.
Find Her explores the crisis of missing Indigenous women from the perspective of a sensitive young Cherokee girl who yearns to find her mother, while also navigating a chilling town mystery, a new friendship, and a family in need of healing.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist
A A Feminist Book Project Top 10 Title
That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing.
An Edgar Award Nominee
In dreams, Wren can see her her eyes, her hair, her smile. She can even hear her laugh. Her mother, one of hundreds of Native Americans considered missing or murdered in Oklahoma. Sometimes it seems like Wren and her grandmother are the only people still looking. Even more frustrating, Wren's overprotective father won't talk about it.
Wren refuses to give up, though. And an opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt. Soon, there are others.
With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask whoever is behind the animal abuse. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother's case. She'll just have to keep it secret from her father who will certainly put an end to all her sleuthing if he finds out.
Find Her explores the crisis of missing Indigenous women from the perspective of a sensitive young Cherokee girl who yearns to find her mother, while also navigating a chilling town mystery, a new friendship, and a family in need of healing.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist
A A Feminist Book Project Top 10 Title
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
19 people are currently reading
2962 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Reno
2 books18 followersGinger Reno has always been a writer – it just took a while for her to figure that out. (Her first clue should have been her family always calling her “the wordy one.”) An enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, her desire to learn about Cherokee history and culture has naturally spilled over into her writing. FIND HER, her debut novel, is part of that journey. Ginger lives in northeast Oklahoma within the Cherokee Nation and likes to spend as much time as possible on her lakefront porch with her two favorite people—her husband and their twelve-year-old German shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
May 31, 2025
2025 reads: 131/300
content warnings: animal death, child abuse, missing and murdered indigenous women, bullying, racism, grief from missing parent
wren’s mom has been missing for over five years, one of the hundreds of native americans considered missing or murdered in oklahoma. sometimes, it feels like wren and her grandma are the only ones still looking, especially since her dad won’t talk about it. wren works on her detective skills by helping people find their missing pets, hoping these skills will transfer to finding her mom. when one of the pets is found badly hurt, wren vows to find the culprit.
i liked how this book juxtaposed wren finding missing animals with trying to find her missing mom. though there wasn’t as overt of a search for her mom as i had initially expected, it was clear just how much this motivated her every action. i really felt for wren as a character and was sad to say goodbye at the end of the book! though this is a middle grade novel, i’d recommend it for readers of any age, as long as you are okay with the content. i look forward to more from ginger reno.
content warnings: animal death, child abuse, missing and murdered indigenous women, bullying, racism, grief from missing parent
wren’s mom has been missing for over five years, one of the hundreds of native americans considered missing or murdered in oklahoma. sometimes, it feels like wren and her grandma are the only ones still looking, especially since her dad won’t talk about it. wren works on her detective skills by helping people find their missing pets, hoping these skills will transfer to finding her mom. when one of the pets is found badly hurt, wren vows to find the culprit.
i liked how this book juxtaposed wren finding missing animals with trying to find her missing mom. though there wasn’t as overt of a search for her mom as i had initially expected, it was clear just how much this motivated her every action. i really felt for wren as a character and was sad to say goodbye at the end of the book! though this is a middle grade novel, i’d recommend it for readers of any age, as long as you are okay with the content. i look forward to more from ginger reno.
September 26, 2024
4,5☆
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a really moving story. I loved how this handled a multitude of different important topics. That, together with the mystery solving, made this a really compelling and interesting story overall. I really liked the writing in this, and the mystery was very well done. I also liked that while this is a middle grade book, it doesn't shy away from the heavy details of the things happening in the storyline.
I really liked Wren's personality and how I got to learn more about Native Americans (specifically Cherokees) through her character as well as from the story overall as that is something I haven't read much before in fictional books. I also loved that this book brings a lot of awareness about the crisis of missing Indigenous women as that is something that should definitely be more talked about!
Overall, this is a really great Middle Grade novel that I would recommend for people of all ages to read! (Please check trigger warnings before reading)
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a really moving story. I loved how this handled a multitude of different important topics. That, together with the mystery solving, made this a really compelling and interesting story overall. I really liked the writing in this, and the mystery was very well done. I also liked that while this is a middle grade book, it doesn't shy away from the heavy details of the things happening in the storyline.
I really liked Wren's personality and how I got to learn more about Native Americans (specifically Cherokees) through her character as well as from the story overall as that is something I haven't read much before in fictional books. I also loved that this book brings a lot of awareness about the crisis of missing Indigenous women as that is something that should definitely be more talked about!
Overall, this is a really great Middle Grade novel that I would recommend for people of all ages to read! (Please check trigger warnings before reading)
September 13, 2024
Find Her is a book I picked up because I thought it had an important story to tell even though it isn't my usual genre, and I wasn't disappointed. The book follows Wren as she struggles to cope with the disappearance of her mother while investigating a string of disturbing crimes against animals in the area.
I teach middle school, and this is a book I think would absolutely have a home in my classroom. It provides a Native American protagonist for children to see themselves in as Wren is Cherokee, and raises awareness of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis while still being focused, primarily, on the mystery of the animals turning up dead around town.
One warning: If you are planning to read this or put it in your classroom, be aware that the topics in this book are HEAVY. It doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of the fear and emotion involved in losing a loved one without getting closure, and contains violence against people and animals. There are times when this violence is described to the reader and may disturb them, especially if the reader is a child.
This would be a book to keep an eye on in your classroom library so that you can check in with anyone who decides to read it and see how they're handling some of these stronger themes.
Overall, this was well written, entertaining, and DOES tell an important story.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for reviewing it.
I teach middle school, and this is a book I think would absolutely have a home in my classroom. It provides a Native American protagonist for children to see themselves in as Wren is Cherokee, and raises awareness of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis while still being focused, primarily, on the mystery of the animals turning up dead around town.
One warning: If you are planning to read this or put it in your classroom, be aware that the topics in this book are HEAVY. It doesn't shy away from the harsh reality of the fear and emotion involved in losing a loved one without getting closure, and contains violence against people and animals. There are times when this violence is described to the reader and may disturb them, especially if the reader is a child.
This would be a book to keep an eye on in your classroom library so that you can check in with anyone who decides to read it and see how they're handling some of these stronger themes.
Overall, this was well written, entertaining, and DOES tell an important story.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for reviewing it.
May 2, 2025
Wren is a young girl dealing with the disappearance of her mother five years prior. She lives with her grandmother (who is a favorite character) and her father (a police officer).
Wren makes it her mission to secretly search for clues about her mother's disapperance. To keep her mind on other things, she volunteers at the local animal shelter. When Wren helps her neighbor find her missing dog, he has been shot and needs to be rushed to the vet. Wren soon realizes there is a serial animal abuser in the area. She's determined to find the culprit. With the help of a new friend, she starts to gather clues.
The book is a mix of coming of age and a mystery about the abused animals and the plight of missing and murdered idigenous women (MMIW). I liked Wren's determination and her investigative skills, but I wanted the story to be more of a focus on her mother and not the metaphor it became.
Great character, but not enough.
Wren makes it her mission to secretly search for clues about her mother's disapperance. To keep her mind on other things, she volunteers at the local animal shelter. When Wren helps her neighbor find her missing dog, he has been shot and needs to be rushed to the vet. Wren soon realizes there is a serial animal abuser in the area. She's determined to find the culprit. With the help of a new friend, she starts to gather clues.
The book is a mix of coming of age and a mystery about the abused animals and the plight of missing and murdered idigenous women (MMIW). I liked Wren's determination and her investigative skills, but I wanted the story to be more of a focus on her mother and not the metaphor it became.
Great character, but not enough.
December 27, 2024
This is one of the best middle grade books I've read this year! The characters are well written and unique. The pacing is perfect. It's an extremely well written book that brings awareness to the MMIWG movement. I highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Ginger Reno, Holiday House and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2024
This book balanced the heavy, important topic of missing indigenous women with the light-heartedness and approachability of being a middle-grade novel really well. I appreciated it as an introduction to the topic and want to continue seeing these types of books written and promoted to all age ranges in the future!
January 21, 2025
I read this one in a day; I couldn’t put it down. Intense story with heavy but important topics (missing Indigenous women, animal cruelty, abuse, bullying). I welcomed the hope found in the ending. I loved the relationships of Wren with her grandmother Elisi, and her friend Brantley.
February 6, 2025
An absolutely wrenching story of twelve-year-old Wren who is constantly wishing for her disappeared mother's return, while searching her police officer father's files for any clue.
Wren's mother disappeared without a trace five years, three months and twelve days before the story opens, and this event has affected Wren, her father and her Cherokee grandmother deeply, leaving them grieving and lost. Wren dreams of her mother, and spends huge amounts of her time trying to find any clue online, or in her secret perusal of police missing persons reports.
Wren has been helping people find lost pets on her own time, then decides to make the arrangement a little more formal on her grandmother Elisi's advice, with any pay she receives going to the local animal shelter, where she volunteers. Wren is well liked and respected for her hard work and caring for the inmates by Landry, the manager. He tells her of a rise of abused strays he's been finding, and Wren decides not only will she continue to search for her mother, but she's also going to search for the animal abuser. This leaves her little time in her day between school, volunteering, spending time with the loving and very cool Elisi, and endlessly searching.
Consequently, she neglects the possibility of friendship with anyone else, until a school project forces her to work with a fellow student, Brantley Sims. Unlike the school bully (and mayor's daughter) and her gang, Brantley immediately treats Wren, and when he meets her, Elisi, with respect. This is so unexpected and shocking in many ways to Wren, who is used to bullying, dismissal and derision from schoolmates.
Wren had decided to make discovering the identity of the animal abuser her project, and Brantley is eager to help, and the two begin looking hard around town. Wren also notices that Brantley is showing signs of beatings, which he dismisses, until he reveals that his mother walked out on the family, and his father has not been coping well.
The two kids make a formidable pair on their hunt, and in the process, become good friends, and fulfill Wren's desire to be a protector of the vulnerable.
This is a fantastic book; Wren is brought to life beautifully by the author. The book is steeped in grief and pain, as not only is the author dealing with the issue of the countless missing and murdered indigenous women through Wren's family's loss, but also with bullying, and with the way animal abuse is a sign of greater problems, and must be taken seriously.
And though there is much darkness in this excellent story, there is also humour, particularly apparent in Wren's and Elisi's interactions, which frequently brought a smile to my face.
The author also infuses the story with hope, as Wren finds hope through her searching, but also through helping others and friendship.
I loved this book, and author Ginger Reno's strong, caring and capable main character.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Wren's mother disappeared without a trace five years, three months and twelve days before the story opens, and this event has affected Wren, her father and her Cherokee grandmother deeply, leaving them grieving and lost. Wren dreams of her mother, and spends huge amounts of her time trying to find any clue online, or in her secret perusal of police missing persons reports.
Wren has been helping people find lost pets on her own time, then decides to make the arrangement a little more formal on her grandmother Elisi's advice, with any pay she receives going to the local animal shelter, where she volunteers. Wren is well liked and respected for her hard work and caring for the inmates by Landry, the manager. He tells her of a rise of abused strays he's been finding, and Wren decides not only will she continue to search for her mother, but she's also going to search for the animal abuser. This leaves her little time in her day between school, volunteering, spending time with the loving and very cool Elisi, and endlessly searching.
Consequently, she neglects the possibility of friendship with anyone else, until a school project forces her to work with a fellow student, Brantley Sims. Unlike the school bully (and mayor's daughter) and her gang, Brantley immediately treats Wren, and when he meets her, Elisi, with respect. This is so unexpected and shocking in many ways to Wren, who is used to bullying, dismissal and derision from schoolmates.
Wren had decided to make discovering the identity of the animal abuser her project, and Brantley is eager to help, and the two begin looking hard around town. Wren also notices that Brantley is showing signs of beatings, which he dismisses, until he reveals that his mother walked out on the family, and his father has not been coping well.
The two kids make a formidable pair on their hunt, and in the process, become good friends, and fulfill Wren's desire to be a protector of the vulnerable.
This is a fantastic book; Wren is brought to life beautifully by the author. The book is steeped in grief and pain, as not only is the author dealing with the issue of the countless missing and murdered indigenous women through Wren's family's loss, but also with bullying, and with the way animal abuse is a sign of greater problems, and must be taken seriously.
And though there is much darkness in this excellent story, there is also humour, particularly apparent in Wren's and Elisi's interactions, which frequently brought a smile to my face.
The author also infuses the story with hope, as Wren finds hope through her searching, but also through helping others and friendship.
I loved this book, and author Ginger Reno's strong, caring and capable main character.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 26, 2024
An upper MG book about an Indigenous girl searching for her missing mother.
✋🏽
Five years, three months, twelve days. That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing. She is one of hundreds of MMIW (Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women) that have been reported in Oklahoma. Her dad, a police officer, won’t talk to her about the case so Wren pours all her time into being an amateur detective. The case she’s involved in right now involves animal abuse. With the help of a new friend Wren stretches her detective skills trying to find out who is hurting the animals and then maybe she’ll be able to find out what happened to her mother.
🪶
This was a novel about friendship, loss, and trying to solve a local mystery I was hooked the entire time and had to know how it ended. I adored the Cherokee representation and culture. What a great debut from Ginger Reno!
CW: animal abuse/cruelty, animal death, missing parent, violence, bullying, racism, blood, child abuse, kidnapping, hate crime, death
✋🏽
Five years, three months, twelve days. That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing. She is one of hundreds of MMIW (Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women) that have been reported in Oklahoma. Her dad, a police officer, won’t talk to her about the case so Wren pours all her time into being an amateur detective. The case she’s involved in right now involves animal abuse. With the help of a new friend Wren stretches her detective skills trying to find out who is hurting the animals and then maybe she’ll be able to find out what happened to her mother.
🪶
This was a novel about friendship, loss, and trying to solve a local mystery I was hooked the entire time and had to know how it ended. I adored the Cherokee representation and culture. What a great debut from Ginger Reno!
CW: animal abuse/cruelty, animal death, missing parent, violence, bullying, racism, blood, child abuse, kidnapping, hate crime, death
May 27, 2024
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
Content notes:
I know this isn’t out for a while, but it was a book I couldn’t wait to read. I was a little hesitant in the beginning and unsure how I felt about it, but once we got into the mystery and Wren making friends with Brantley, I couldn’t put it down. I also loved the family dynamics and especially Elisi and the ways she makes sure Wren stays connected to her Cherokee heritage and is keeping the language alive. The mystery wasn’t surprising exactly and I figured it out early, but I’m also an adult reading middle grade so it may be more shocking for other readers. All in all this was excellent and such an important book!
Content notes:
I know this isn’t out for a while, but it was a book I couldn’t wait to read. I was a little hesitant in the beginning and unsure how I felt about it, but once we got into the mystery and Wren making friends with Brantley, I couldn’t put it down. I also loved the family dynamics and especially Elisi and the ways she makes sure Wren stays connected to her Cherokee heritage and is keeping the language alive. The mystery wasn’t surprising exactly and I figured it out early, but I’m also an adult reading middle grade so it may be more shocking for other readers. All in all this was excellent and such an important book!
July 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wren is 12 years old, and her mother has been missing for five years. Part of the Cherokee Nation while also daughter to a white cop dad, she's got some complicated feelings. When animals start showing up harmed, she knows she has to investigate before things go further. But who's going to trust a twelve year old with a serious investigation?
Wren is a bold and determined kid, and I loved her as a main character. This story talks about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) movement while still talking about everything else in Wren's life. It's an accessible middle grade read and I definitely recommend.
CW: animal abuse and death, child abuse, missing woman
Wren is 12 years old, and her mother has been missing for five years. Part of the Cherokee Nation while also daughter to a white cop dad, she's got some complicated feelings. When animals start showing up harmed, she knows she has to investigate before things go further. But who's going to trust a twelve year old with a serious investigation?
Wren is a bold and determined kid, and I loved her as a main character. This story talks about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) movement while still talking about everything else in Wren's life. It's an accessible middle grade read and I definitely recommend.
CW: animal abuse and death, child abuse, missing woman
August 24, 2024
Thank you, Holiday House for the copy of Find Her by Ginger Reno. For a middle school book, this really packs a punch. Wren is such a great character I wanted to reach through the pages and hug her. She channels her knack for finding things into trying to figure out who is torturing animals. Along the way, she confronts bullies and makes a new friend. I loved how the disappearance of Indigenous women is handled with sensitivity, suitable for young readers but still making the point that it’s an epidemic that is being ignored. The themes of friendship, family, and even bullying were also sensitively portrayed making this an amazing book about growing up for many ages. I would love to see educators adopt this book and teach these essential concepts. 5 stars
November 3, 2024
This book revolves around a girl whose mother was taken. A series of tortured and murdered animals spurs the protagonist into action to solve these crimes before anymore creatures are killed. The author does not go into great detail, but animals are harmed in this book. I think this is an important piece of literature to demonstrate the need to be more aware of the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women and children in the U.S.
June 9, 2025
This middle grades book takes an honest but age-appropriate look at MMIWG and the ripple effects of what happens (or doesn’t happen) when an Indigenous woman goes missing. I love the cover, the red hand is attention-grabbing.
August 5, 2024
Great upper MG mystery rec
March 18, 2025
Wow. What a powerfully written story. The words flow like water and the artistry is beautiful. Reno covers important hard topics. I need to get a copy of this one for my classroom.
November 2, 2024
This is a great upper middle grade mystery about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as animal abuse. As a warning, this is for kids who can handle reading about some pretty gruesome, heart wrenching stuff.
Wren's mother has been missing for five years, since Wren was 7. She lives with her police chief father (white) and grandmother (Cherokee), Wren's mother's mother. Wren is obsessed with finding her mother, and keeps track of MMIWG information, and even sneaks through her father's files. She also volunteers at an animal shelter. When she discovers a dog that's been shot, and hears about similar animal cruelty incidents, she decides to investigate.
In addition to the above themes, she also befriends a boy whose father beats him, and she is bullied at school.
So a lot of heavy stuff here. The ending gave me a bit of whiplash. I thought the kids recovered way too fast. But I enjoyed this overall, and look forward to reading more books by the author.
Wren's mother has been missing for five years, since Wren was 7. She lives with her police chief father (white) and grandmother (Cherokee), Wren's mother's mother. Wren is obsessed with finding her mother, and keeps track of MMIWG information, and even sneaks through her father's files. She also volunteers at an animal shelter. When she discovers a dog that's been shot, and hears about similar animal cruelty incidents, she decides to investigate.
In addition to the above themes, she also befriends a boy whose father beats him, and she is bullied at school.
So a lot of heavy stuff here. The ending gave me a bit of whiplash. I thought the kids recovered way too fast. But I enjoyed this overall, and look forward to reading more books by the author.
January 24, 2025
I love Wren. She volunteers at a shelter and helps find missing pets, all while dealing with her missing mother.
This book teaches about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic.
This book teaches about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic.
April 18, 2025
Middle grade novel involving a small town animal abuse/murder mystery.
This book also centers character, Wren, whose mom has been missing for five years. The book prefaces and leaves resources to learn about the devastating cases of missing and murdered indigenous people and MMIW/MMIWG2S, a movement that aims to address the systemic violence and glaring lacking of response.
I really like that this book is can help younger people begin to understand and empathize with what Wren’s family and so many real life indigenous families have been and continue to go through.
The animal abuse/murder mystery part of the novel feels very Nancy Drew/kid detective. This is not a bad thing, I simply think this is a trope geared at a younger audience and I felt like our main characters got themselves into situations that in real life could be very dangerous. The whole mystery being solved by two middle schoolers makes for an unlikely story, but again, it’s fiction aimed at a younger audience. I think it made it harder for me to connect with that part of the book, personally.
This book also centers character, Wren, whose mom has been missing for five years. The book prefaces and leaves resources to learn about the devastating cases of missing and murdered indigenous people and MMIW/MMIWG2S, a movement that aims to address the systemic violence and glaring lacking of response.
I really like that this book is can help younger people begin to understand and empathize with what Wren’s family and so many real life indigenous families have been and continue to go through.
The animal abuse/murder mystery part of the novel feels very Nancy Drew/kid detective. This is not a bad thing, I simply think this is a trope geared at a younger audience and I felt like our main characters got themselves into situations that in real life could be very dangerous. The whole mystery being solved by two middle schoolers makes for an unlikely story, but again, it’s fiction aimed at a younger audience. I think it made it harder for me to connect with that part of the book, personally.
September 1, 2024
Ginger Reno is coming to the 2024 ALAN Workshop, so I was so excited to read Find Her, and it did not disappoint. It is so multi-faceted. First and foremost it was about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). We learn early on that Wren’s mother has been missing for 5 years with no leads. The author then also intertwines everything else about Wren’s life as she learns to continue to navigate a world where her mom is not there. I loved dynamics of Wren’s family, especially her grandmother Elisi. My other favorite character is Brantley who is the perfect friend for Wren and Wren is the perfect friend for him. And also within the book is a story of bullying, abuse, and animal abuse. It is a huge feat to fit so much into one book, but the author did a fantastic job, and I couldn’t put down the book.
June 24, 2024
This read is a captivating journey of love, loss, and determination. In the heart of Cherokee Nation, where the whispers of ancient spirits blend with the rustling leaves, Wren embarks on a quest that transcends time and space. Ginger Reno's poignant novel, "Find Her," weaves together the threads of family bonds, mystery, and resilience, leaving readers spellbound.
Five years, three months, and twelve days. That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing. She’s one of over five hundred Native Americans missing in Oklahoma alone. In dreams, Wren can see her again: her eyes, her hair, her smile. She can even hear her laugh. But reality is harsh. Her mother is one of the countless Indigenous women who have vanished without a trace. Wren refuses to give up, though. An opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt. Soon, there are others. With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask whoever is behind the animal abuse. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother’s case. She’ll just have to keep it secret from her father, who will certainly put an end to all her sleuthing if he finds out.
Reno's writing is like a gentle breeze that carries the scent of pine and the echoes of ancient stories. Her descriptions evoke the Oklahoma landscape, from the rolling hills, the whispering pines, to the hidden secrets. As readers, we feel the weight of Wren's longing, her determination, and her love for her missing mother. Reno's portrayal of Wren, a sensitive young Cherokee girl, is both authentic and powerful. Through Wren's eyes, we witness the frustration and anger felt by families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The novel sheds light on a national crisis while honouring the resilience of Indigenous communities.
The town mystery adds layers of intrigue. As Wren investigates the animal abuse cases, she uncovers secrets that intertwine with her mother's disappearance. Reno masterfully keeps us guessing, revealing clues at just the right moments. Wren's journey isn't just about solving mysteries; it's about healing. Her friendship with an unlikely ally provides solace, and the novel beautifully captures the complexities of family bonds. Reno reminds us that hope can bloom even in the darkest corners. "Find Her" isn't just a novel; it's a call to action. Reno's sensitive portrayal of the MMIW crisis urges us to pay attention, to seek justice, and to honour the missing. Through Wren's caring heart, we feel the urgency of this cause.
A powerful addition to the middle-grade mystery genre, “Find Her" is a compelling novel written with grace and beauty. Reno's gift lies not only in storytelling but also in raising awareness. As we turn the pages, we become part of Wren's quest… to find her mother, protect her community, and heal her heart. This book is a treasure. It’s a beacon of hope in a world that often forgets its missing souls.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Five years, three months, and twelve days. That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing. She’s one of over five hundred Native Americans missing in Oklahoma alone. In dreams, Wren can see her again: her eyes, her hair, her smile. She can even hear her laugh. But reality is harsh. Her mother is one of the countless Indigenous women who have vanished without a trace. Wren refuses to give up, though. An opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt. Soon, there are others. With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask whoever is behind the animal abuse. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother’s case. She’ll just have to keep it secret from her father, who will certainly put an end to all her sleuthing if he finds out.
Reno's writing is like a gentle breeze that carries the scent of pine and the echoes of ancient stories. Her descriptions evoke the Oklahoma landscape, from the rolling hills, the whispering pines, to the hidden secrets. As readers, we feel the weight of Wren's longing, her determination, and her love for her missing mother. Reno's portrayal of Wren, a sensitive young Cherokee girl, is both authentic and powerful. Through Wren's eyes, we witness the frustration and anger felt by families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The novel sheds light on a national crisis while honouring the resilience of Indigenous communities.
The town mystery adds layers of intrigue. As Wren investigates the animal abuse cases, she uncovers secrets that intertwine with her mother's disappearance. Reno masterfully keeps us guessing, revealing clues at just the right moments. Wren's journey isn't just about solving mysteries; it's about healing. Her friendship with an unlikely ally provides solace, and the novel beautifully captures the complexities of family bonds. Reno reminds us that hope can bloom even in the darkest corners. "Find Her" isn't just a novel; it's a call to action. Reno's sensitive portrayal of the MMIW crisis urges us to pay attention, to seek justice, and to honour the missing. Through Wren's caring heart, we feel the urgency of this cause.
A powerful addition to the middle-grade mystery genre, “Find Her" is a compelling novel written with grace and beauty. Reno's gift lies not only in storytelling but also in raising awareness. As we turn the pages, we become part of Wren's quest… to find her mother, protect her community, and heal her heart. This book is a treasure. It’s a beacon of hope in a world that often forgets its missing souls.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2025
Wren Macintosh's mother went missing five years ago, one of the thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman in Girls throughout the Americas. And even though it seems both her dad, who is the chief of police in Fort Gibson, and her grandmother have mostly given up searching for her, Wren has not. She spends every waking moment online hunting down clues, so much time that her family is beginning to worry about her. Her grandmother suggests that she put all of her amateur sleuthing skills to good use and start a pet finding business. Mostly, to make her grandmother feel better, she agrees. It isn't long before Wren and her best friend Brentley discover that someone in their little town is torturing animals for fun and they are to determined to stop it, even if they have to face off with a real killer.
Over the past few years MMIWG has gained traction, most definitely not enough but the red handprint across the mouths of Native Americans has brought much needed acknowledgement to an issue many of us didn't even know existed. Thousands of Native American women and girls go missing every year, their stories rarely if ever told to the larger American audience; the reason for this has largely placed smack dab on the victim, outside police agencies did little to nothing to assist in the search for these women, media outlets did not cover these stories, and much like in the case of Wren's mother families wait years, decades in many cases to here any news of their loved ones fate. If they ever do. For the reason of simply bringing a voice to the voiceless, this book is a solid five stars.
That being said, regardless of the important message behind it, Find Her is just a damn good book about living after trauma. Wren has such a solid family with her grandmother and her father, and while they may not always see eye to eye, they are wonderfully supportive of each other. And they end up naturally extending that support to Brentley, whose family life is the exact opposite. Earlier this year I read a book that had a very similar theme with the MCs family and in that book it felt fake when they offered to support the MCs friends whose lives were anything but perfect, in that book it felt like the MC and her family were almost lording over everyone else they were perfect. I didn't get that feeling here at all. And maybe that's because their Mom/Wife/Daughter was missing they knew what it was like to *feel* broken.
The whole mystery thing was also oddly perfect. I know that sounds weird but given Wren's personality it would have been weird if Reno had decided that Wren's first foray back into the world of the living had been to like start a babysitting club or something. It just made sense that this girl would hunt down a killer.
Overall, it is definitely an excellent short read that while geared towards middle grade readers is one I wholeheartedly believe everyone should read.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for the eArc!
Over the past few years MMIWG has gained traction, most definitely not enough but the red handprint across the mouths of Native Americans has brought much needed acknowledgement to an issue many of us didn't even know existed. Thousands of Native American women and girls go missing every year, their stories rarely if ever told to the larger American audience; the reason for this has largely placed smack dab on the victim, outside police agencies did little to nothing to assist in the search for these women, media outlets did not cover these stories, and much like in the case of Wren's mother families wait years, decades in many cases to here any news of their loved ones fate. If they ever do. For the reason of simply bringing a voice to the voiceless, this book is a solid five stars.
That being said, regardless of the important message behind it, Find Her is just a damn good book about living after trauma. Wren has such a solid family with her grandmother and her father, and while they may not always see eye to eye, they are wonderfully supportive of each other. And they end up naturally extending that support to Brentley, whose family life is the exact opposite. Earlier this year I read a book that had a very similar theme with the MCs family and in that book it felt fake when they offered to support the MCs friends whose lives were anything but perfect, in that book it felt like the MC and her family were almost lording over everyone else they were perfect. I didn't get that feeling here at all. And maybe that's because their Mom/Wife/Daughter was missing they knew what it was like to *feel* broken.
The whole mystery thing was also oddly perfect. I know that sounds weird but given Wren's personality it would have been weird if Reno had decided that Wren's first foray back into the world of the living had been to like start a babysitting club or something. It just made sense that this girl would hunt down a killer.
Overall, it is definitely an excellent short read that while geared towards middle grade readers is one I wholeheartedly believe everyone should read.
As always, thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for the eArc!
October 23, 2024
Twelve year old Wren has been trying to find her mom for 5 years, 3 months and 12 days when the book opens. Searching on line for her missing mother is the only thing that helps with the grief that she shares with her father and grandmother. They don't know if she was abducted or murdered, but she wouldn't have left otherwise. When murdered and abused animals start showing up in her town of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Wren is determined to figure out why this is happening. Although essentially friendless, she is paired up with her classmate Brantley for a school project, and he enthusiastically agrees to help her. They set up a murder board, like on TV; Wren illicitly photographs reports at the animal shelter where she volunteers; she and Brantley bicycle around town examining where the abused animals were found, looking for clues. A friendship grows between the kids and the answer they find is a lot closer to home than they ever would have thought.
The author directly tackles three pressing crises: MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), animal abuse, and domestic abuse. Wren is half Cherokee, and she is all too aware of the terrible problem of indigenous women going missing. Her grandmother is Cherokee and lives with Wren and her father, and teaches her some of the Cherokee language, which Wren and the reader learn, as it's sprinkled throughout the book. Wren's grandmother, Elisi, is a loving and fun character who definitely relieves some of the pervasive tension in the story. At first the animal abuse took me aback, as it was graphic and bloody. But the author handles it straight on and Wren's dedication to solving the mystery of who is behind it is almost a relief from her searing pain at her mother's absence. I'm glad that the author also uses explicit descriptions of Brantley's abuse at the hands of his father (split lips, gashes on his head and bruises on his arms) because this also happens in reality. If a child reading this book recognizes this as abuse and that it's happening to them or someone they know, this will give them the knowledge that it's wrong and to get help. These issues are important to acknowledge, and they do happen to kids, so I'm glad this shows the effects on families and what steps to take. I'd say that this book is not for the faint of heart. But if a kid has a strong sense of justice and the guts to read hard topics, then it is a satisfying, although heartbreaking, read. There is short informative section at the end about the MMIWG movement and about Fort Gibson. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The author directly tackles three pressing crises: MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), animal abuse, and domestic abuse. Wren is half Cherokee, and she is all too aware of the terrible problem of indigenous women going missing. Her grandmother is Cherokee and lives with Wren and her father, and teaches her some of the Cherokee language, which Wren and the reader learn, as it's sprinkled throughout the book. Wren's grandmother, Elisi, is a loving and fun character who definitely relieves some of the pervasive tension in the story. At first the animal abuse took me aback, as it was graphic and bloody. But the author handles it straight on and Wren's dedication to solving the mystery of who is behind it is almost a relief from her searing pain at her mother's absence. I'm glad that the author also uses explicit descriptions of Brantley's abuse at the hands of his father (split lips, gashes on his head and bruises on his arms) because this also happens in reality. If a child reading this book recognizes this as abuse and that it's happening to them or someone they know, this will give them the knowledge that it's wrong and to get help. These issues are important to acknowledge, and they do happen to kids, so I'm glad this shows the effects on families and what steps to take. I'd say that this book is not for the faint of heart. But if a kid has a strong sense of justice and the guts to read hard topics, then it is a satisfying, although heartbreaking, read. There is short informative section at the end about the MMIWG movement and about Fort Gibson. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
October 20, 2024
Twelve year old Wren has been trying to find her mom for 5 years, 3 months and 12 days when the book opens. Searching on line for her missing mother is the only thing that helps with the grief that she shares with her father and grandmother. They don’t know if she was abducted or murdered, but she wouldn’t have left otherwise. When murdered and abused animals start showing up in her town of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Wren is determined to figure out why this is happening. Although essentially friendless, she is paired up with her classmate Brantley for a school project, and he enthusiastically agrees to help her. They set up a murder board, like on TV; Wren illicitly photographs reports at the animal shelter where she volunteers; she and Brantley bicycle around town examining where the abused animals were found, looking for clues. A friendship grows between the kids and the answer they find is a lot closer to home than they ever would have thought.
The author directly tackles three pressing crises: MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), animal abuse, and domestic abuse. Wren is half Cherokee, and she is all too aware of the terrible problem of indigenous women going missing. Her grandmother is Cherokee and lives with Wren and her father, and teaches her some of the Cherokee language, which Wren and the reader learn, as it’s sprinkled throughout the book. Wren’s grandmother, Elisi, is a loving and fun character who definitely relieves some of the pervasive tension in the story. At first the animal abuse took me aback, as it was graphic and bloody. But the author handles it straight on and Wren’s dedication to solving the mystery of who is behind it is almost a relief from her searing pain at her mother’s absence. I’m glad that the author also uses explicit descriptions of Brantley’s abuse at the hands of his father (split lips, gashes on his head and bruises on his arms) because this also happens in reality. If a child reading this book recognizes this as abuse and that it’s happening to them or someone they know, this will give them the knowledge that it’s wrong and to get help. These issues are important to acknowledge, and they do happen to kids, so I’m glad this shows the effects on families and what steps to take. I’d say that this book is not for the faint of heart. But if a kid has a strong sense of justice and the guts to read hard topics, then it is a satisfying, although heartbreaking, read. There is short informative section at the end about the MMIWG movement and about Fort Gibson.
The author directly tackles three pressing crises: MMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls), animal abuse, and domestic abuse. Wren is half Cherokee, and she is all too aware of the terrible problem of indigenous women going missing. Her grandmother is Cherokee and lives with Wren and her father, and teaches her some of the Cherokee language, which Wren and the reader learn, as it’s sprinkled throughout the book. Wren’s grandmother, Elisi, is a loving and fun character who definitely relieves some of the pervasive tension in the story. At first the animal abuse took me aback, as it was graphic and bloody. But the author handles it straight on and Wren’s dedication to solving the mystery of who is behind it is almost a relief from her searing pain at her mother’s absence. I’m glad that the author also uses explicit descriptions of Brantley’s abuse at the hands of his father (split lips, gashes on his head and bruises on his arms) because this also happens in reality. If a child reading this book recognizes this as abuse and that it’s happening to them or someone they know, this will give them the knowledge that it’s wrong and to get help. These issues are important to acknowledge, and they do happen to kids, so I’m glad this shows the effects on families and what steps to take. I’d say that this book is not for the faint of heart. But if a kid has a strong sense of justice and the guts to read hard topics, then it is a satisfying, although heartbreaking, read. There is short informative section at the end about the MMIWG movement and about Fort Gibson.
June 2, 2025
There's a lot going on in this compelling middle-grade book, much of it difficult. We've got grief, animal abuse, child abuse, bullying, parental abandonment, racism, and more. Even though there are moments of lightness, humor, and hope, this novel might be a tough one for sensitive readers.
Wren is a sympathetic character who's dealing with some big situations and emotions, neither of which she can control. Despite her occasional temper tantrums, she's pretty self-aware for a 12-year-old. She exhibits a lot of compassion for animals, her elderly grandmother, and her new friend whose many scrapes and bruises seem to indicate trouble at home. Not only is she determined to find her missing mother, but she also vows to track down the person in her town who is torturing animals. Her focus prompts her to cross lines that she shouldn't; even though her misdeeds are for the greater good, she feels guilty about them. All of these traits make her an interesting, admirable heroine. Brantley is likewise sympathetic and likable. I was definitely rooting for them to form a successful, nurturing friendship and partnership. My favorite character, though, is Elisi. She's fun, loving, and wise.
Although FIND HER is ostensibly about Wren's search for her mother—a device that allows Reno to call attention to the alarming rate at which Indigenous women go missing and the fact that missing minorities receive less attention from law enforcement and the public than their white counterparts—it mostly focuses on Wren's investigation into the animal abuser. While this disappointed me a tad, I realize that the direction Reno takes in the novel is more realistic for a 12-year-old investigator. It allows her a win, without asking the reader to suspend their disbelief too much. It also makes it possible for the story to have an overall hopeful vibe in spite of not answering every question it asks.
Even though it deals with heavy subjects, I enjoyed FIND HER. It offers an engrossing, thought-provoking story that offers hope even in heartbreaking circumstances.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and difficult/disturbing subject matter
Wren is a sympathetic character who's dealing with some big situations and emotions, neither of which she can control. Despite her occasional temper tantrums, she's pretty self-aware for a 12-year-old. She exhibits a lot of compassion for animals, her elderly grandmother, and her new friend whose many scrapes and bruises seem to indicate trouble at home. Not only is she determined to find her missing mother, but she also vows to track down the person in her town who is torturing animals. Her focus prompts her to cross lines that she shouldn't; even though her misdeeds are for the greater good, she feels guilty about them. All of these traits make her an interesting, admirable heroine. Brantley is likewise sympathetic and likable. I was definitely rooting for them to form a successful, nurturing friendship and partnership. My favorite character, though, is Elisi. She's fun, loving, and wise.
Although FIND HER is ostensibly about Wren's search for her mother—a device that allows Reno to call attention to the alarming rate at which Indigenous women go missing and the fact that missing minorities receive less attention from law enforcement and the public than their white counterparts—it mostly focuses on Wren's investigation into the animal abuser. While this disappointed me a tad, I realize that the direction Reno takes in the novel is more realistic for a 12-year-old investigator. It allows her a win, without asking the reader to suspend their disbelief too much. It also makes it possible for the story to have an overall hopeful vibe in spite of not answering every question it asks.
Even though it deals with heavy subjects, I enjoyed FIND HER. It offers an engrossing, thought-provoking story that offers hope even in heartbreaking circumstances.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and difficult/disturbing subject matter
April 19, 2025
Have you ever had a book cover capture your interest and demand you read it? That's how I felt when I saw Find Her by Ginger Reno while scrolling Libby late one night. The red hand covering the mouth is the identifying symbol for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons movement. This movement seeks to bring focus to the alarming issue surrounding the high rate of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the United States, particularly women and girls. Knowing that Find Her is middle grade fiction, I wanted to see how the MMIP movement would be showcased to a younger audience, so I decided to give this a read.
Twelve-year-old Wren's mother has been missing for over five years. Sadly she is one of the hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Oklahoma alone. Even though her father is the chief of police in her small town, this hasn't helped them find her any quicker. Some days it feels like Wren and her grandmother are the only two who care that her mom is missing. Wren has a secret weapon though: her finder sense. Looking for ways to help find her mom, Wren decides she needs to sharpen her finder sense. She starts a pet finding business and soon finds her detective skills tested.
When one of the missing pets is found badly hurt, Wren is devastated. When more are found injured, Wren grows worried. Who is behind this animal abuse? Why aren't the police moving faster? With the help of a friend, Wren decides she is going to find the person behind these crimes. If she can solve these cases, maybe then she'll be able to find her mother. Taking this on means Wren is going to have to keep secrets from the two most important people in her family: her grandmother and her father. Hopefully they will understand.
This book destroyed me. Even though Find Her is middle grade fiction, it dealt with heavy topics that had me up late at night wondering why and how people could behave so cruelly to other humans and to animals. While I expected this book to wrap up all its threads in a neat bow, I was pleasantly surprised when the author left some questions unanswered. Definitely recommend for people of all ages!
Twelve-year-old Wren's mother has been missing for over five years. Sadly she is one of the hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Oklahoma alone. Even though her father is the chief of police in her small town, this hasn't helped them find her any quicker. Some days it feels like Wren and her grandmother are the only two who care that her mom is missing. Wren has a secret weapon though: her finder sense. Looking for ways to help find her mom, Wren decides she needs to sharpen her finder sense. She starts a pet finding business and soon finds her detective skills tested.
When one of the missing pets is found badly hurt, Wren is devastated. When more are found injured, Wren grows worried. Who is behind this animal abuse? Why aren't the police moving faster? With the help of a friend, Wren decides she is going to find the person behind these crimes. If she can solve these cases, maybe then she'll be able to find her mother. Taking this on means Wren is going to have to keep secrets from the two most important people in her family: her grandmother and her father. Hopefully they will understand.
This book destroyed me. Even though Find Her is middle grade fiction, it dealt with heavy topics that had me up late at night wondering why and how people could behave so cruelly to other humans and to animals. While I expected this book to wrap up all its threads in a neat bow, I was pleasantly surprised when the author left some questions unanswered. Definitely recommend for people of all ages!
October 8, 2024
FIND HER by Ginger Reno is an excellent book. Main character/narrator Wren and her grandmother Elisi are dynamic, well-developed characters. Wren's growth throughout the novel is well written, too; not all of her change is linear and it's not all perfect. She makes mistakes, but her logic fits with being twelve and being ostracized by her classmates because she is Indigenous and her mother is missing. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S+) epidemic is beautifully--and intensely--addressed in FIND HER. The author's choice to have the story told through a twelve-year-old girl brings home the heart-wrenching, devastating the MMIWG2S+ stories that are not being covered by mainstream media at all.
The change in Wren's family dynamic is also very moving. Wren, Elisi, and Wren's dad move from dealing with their grief and anger over the lack of answers in isolation to dealing with information together. Wren makes a phenomenal catalyst for this change. It made me wish I'd had this book when I was twelve.
In other reviews, I've seen questions and comments about whether FIND HER is "appropriate" as a middle grade novel. The young character in the movie "Fancy Dance" is 12 or 13 and dealing with the same situation. Maybe Wren's story will help another young person (Indigenous or otherwise) dealing with this crisis.
The only reason I am not giving this book five stars is that there's a surprising lack of information about the circumstances of Wren's mother's disappearance. If Wren's always checking websites and trying to find something to lead her to her mother, it seems like she would know where her mother was last scene, etc. The mention that she disappeared outside of Wren's police chief Dad's jurisdiction makes it confusing. I also hope the final version of the published novel includes back matter with additional information on how to learn more about MMIWG2S+.
Overall, I highly recommend.
The change in Wren's family dynamic is also very moving. Wren, Elisi, and Wren's dad move from dealing with their grief and anger over the lack of answers in isolation to dealing with information together. Wren makes a phenomenal catalyst for this change. It made me wish I'd had this book when I was twelve.
In other reviews, I've seen questions and comments about whether FIND HER is "appropriate" as a middle grade novel. The young character in the movie "Fancy Dance" is 12 or 13 and dealing with the same situation. Maybe Wren's story will help another young person (Indigenous or otherwise) dealing with this crisis.
The only reason I am not giving this book five stars is that there's a surprising lack of information about the circumstances of Wren's mother's disappearance. If Wren's always checking websites and trying to find something to lead her to her mother, it seems like she would know where her mother was last scene, etc. The mention that she disappeared outside of Wren's police chief Dad's jurisdiction makes it confusing. I also hope the final version of the published novel includes back matter with additional information on how to learn more about MMIWG2S+.
Overall, I highly recommend.
October 12, 2024
This book delves deeply into sensitive and heavy themes, making it an intense but meaningful read for a middle-grade audience. Wren, a young Cherokee girl searching for her missing mother, must navigate the harsh realities of animal cruelty, child abuse, bullying, and the ongoing tragedy of her mother’s disappearance, part of the MMIWG2S (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit) crisis. The narrative is powerful, confronting difficult truths head-on and giving young readers an unflinching glimpse of the world’s darker sides.
At first, the themes may seem too dark for middle-grade readers, but Reno's thoughtful approach aligns with her belief that "young readers have the same feelings as adults. The only difference is setting and circumstance." Children are observant and often witness complex realities in their own lives, making this story both relevant and authentic. Wren’s determination to find justice for her mother while uncovering a local mystery reflects the emotional depth that children can comprehend.
One of the book’s standout messages comes from Wren’s grandmother, who offers wisdom that resonates long after reading: “When we are hurting, the best thing we can do is help others. To give another joy is to ease our own pain.” Wren’s volunteer work at the animal shelter and her knack for reuniting lost pets with their owners become her anchor, a way to channel her grief into something meaningful.
Find Her is a story of resilience and hope amid heartache, and though it may be a heavy read for younger audiences, it is one that I would recommend—with the important caveat that readers should be aware of the challenging themes. It’s a moving and powerful book, offering lessons in empathy and healing through service to others.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
At first, the themes may seem too dark for middle-grade readers, but Reno's thoughtful approach aligns with her belief that "young readers have the same feelings as adults. The only difference is setting and circumstance." Children are observant and often witness complex realities in their own lives, making this story both relevant and authentic. Wren’s determination to find justice for her mother while uncovering a local mystery reflects the emotional depth that children can comprehend.
One of the book’s standout messages comes from Wren’s grandmother, who offers wisdom that resonates long after reading: “When we are hurting, the best thing we can do is help others. To give another joy is to ease our own pain.” Wren’s volunteer work at the animal shelter and her knack for reuniting lost pets with their owners become her anchor, a way to channel her grief into something meaningful.
Find Her is a story of resilience and hope amid heartache, and though it may be a heavy read for younger audiences, it is one that I would recommend—with the important caveat that readers should be aware of the challenging themes. It’s a moving and powerful book, offering lessons in empathy and healing through service to others.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2024
Finally, a book [3.5 for me!] for middle graders or tweens about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls epidemic! Told with heart, grace, and insight, this riveting, important, and timely story features a sympathetic protagonist in twelve-year-old Wren MacIntosh, whose mother, who is Cherokee, went missing more than five years ago. Wren's father, who is white, is the sheriff in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. Now Wren spends her free time volunteering at the local animal shelter and searching online for possible clues as to her mother's whereabouts. The author effectively builds suspense around Wren's determination to find who's been harming local animals in her community as well as local authorities' discovery of remains that might be her mother. The emotional ups and downs she experiences are portrayed quite vividly as are her encounters with MJ, a teen bully who constantly harasses her and specializes in cruel, racist remarks. Then, too, Wren unexpectedly grows close to Brantley, a classmate with secrets of his own, adding to the book's complexity. Wren's supportive father and caring maternal grandmother, Elisi, with her "Famous" meals, and Landry, who runs the Animal Control center for the area, round out the cast of interesting characters. The ache of not knowing what happened to her mother is palpable in the descriptions of Wren's everyday life. This debut novel is well worth reading, reminding readers that despite what society and authorities may say, some lives seem more important than others. Parts of the plot are a bit hard to believe, but those small flaws don't detract from this story's importance. I can't wait to read more books from this author.
September 25, 2024
Twelve-year-old Wren is on a mission. Her mother, part of the Cherokee Nation, has been missing for five years, and no one outside of her family seems to care anymore. Her white father is a cop and he isn't very forthcoming about any leads. When animals around town start disappearing or turning up tortured and abused, she takes it upon herself to solve the case. She and her new best friend begin an investigation, but will anyone even take them seriously?
I loved Wren as a character. She is a strong and determined protagonist with very complicated feelings about the police and the way missing Indigenous girls and women are often ignored. Her grandmother helps to raise her, keeping her connected to her Cherokee roots. I loved their relationship - I think it was my favorite part of the book.
What keeps this from being a 5-star read is that it should have been YA. This is a very heavy book that deals with many heavy topics: her missing mother, child abuse, animal abuse, a possible serial killer/psychopath that two 12-year-olds are hunting...it's a lot. I'm not sure this is a book you could hand to the average 8 - 12-year-old, which is the middle-grade target audience. And I'm saying that as someone who reads a lot of hard-hitting middle-grade and YA.
That being said, this is an excellent story about grief, family, and friendship, and I think it would be a great transitional read for a kid who is starting to age out of middle-grade but isn't quite ready for YA yet.
I loved Wren as a character. She is a strong and determined protagonist with very complicated feelings about the police and the way missing Indigenous girls and women are often ignored. Her grandmother helps to raise her, keeping her connected to her Cherokee roots. I loved their relationship - I think it was my favorite part of the book.
What keeps this from being a 5-star read is that it should have been YA. This is a very heavy book that deals with many heavy topics: her missing mother, child abuse, animal abuse, a possible serial killer/psychopath that two 12-year-olds are hunting...it's a lot. I'm not sure this is a book you could hand to the average 8 - 12-year-old, which is the middle-grade target audience. And I'm saying that as someone who reads a lot of hard-hitting middle-grade and YA.
That being said, this is an excellent story about grief, family, and friendship, and I think it would be a great transitional read for a kid who is starting to age out of middle-grade but isn't quite ready for YA yet.
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