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Napesni Renegade: A Bison's Journey
Award-winning Ojibwe author and poet Marcie R. Rendon tells a tale based on a true story about a wild bison known as Napesni.
A beautiful picture book set in the Plains and perfect for 3-to-7-year-olds who love animals and are looking for stories with a theme of home.
Napesni likes to stamp his hooves and sniff and snort in the dry dust of Cheyenne River Reservation. That all changes, though, when ranchers capture him and bring him to Minnesota instead. Sad, lonely, and homesick, Napesni searches for his family and home in this adventurous story.
Once safely located and protected, Napesni finds a new home through the Red Lake Reservation Buffalo Herd, an organization with the ultimate goal of restoring bison to their previous numbers.
Napesni Renegade introduces a story based on true events to young readers in this lyrical and gorgeously illustrated picture book.
A stark reminder of the ongoing impact of European settlement in the western United States. Animal populations have been negatively impacted for decades, and these herds continue to be key to the survival of Native populations both spiritually and physically today.
A beautiful picture book set in the Plains and perfect for 3-to-7-year-olds who love animals and are looking for stories with a theme of home.
Napesni likes to stamp his hooves and sniff and snort in the dry dust of Cheyenne River Reservation. That all changes, though, when ranchers capture him and bring him to Minnesota instead. Sad, lonely, and homesick, Napesni searches for his family and home in this adventurous story.
Once safely located and protected, Napesni finds a new home through the Red Lake Reservation Buffalo Herd, an organization with the ultimate goal of restoring bison to their previous numbers.
Napesni Renegade introduces a story based on true events to young readers in this lyrical and gorgeously illustrated picture book.
A stark reminder of the ongoing impact of European settlement in the western United States. Animal populations have been negatively impacted for decades, and these herds continue to be key to the survival of Native populations both spiritually and physically today.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Marcie R. Rendon
18 books1,063 followersMarcie R. Rendon is an enrolled member of the White Earth Anishinabe Nation. She is a mother, grandmother, writer, and performance artist. A recipient of the Loft's Inroads Writers of Color Award for Native Americans, she studied under Anishinabe author Jim Northrup. Her first children's book is Pow Wow Summer (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2014). Murder on the Red River is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlesbridge for granting me access to an e-ARC of “Napesni Renegade: A Bison’s Journey” by Marcie R. Rendon in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to start off this review by saying I wish I had books like this growing up. As an Ojibwe child, I did not see myself reflected anywhere in media. It’s one of the biggest reasons I read children’s books now as an adult, looking to support, uplift, and share the types of books I wished I had as a child. So, thank you to Rendon for writing such an important book—to Zimmerman for illustrating it so beautifully—and to Charlesbridge for publishing books like this.
This book was very impactful. After reading it once, I had to go back and read it a second time to make sure everything sunk in. This book addressed many themes, including:
⭐️ The importance of bison to Turtle Island and Indigenous people;
⭐️ The variation of flora from region to region, highlighting how various First Nations communities can be found across the lands;
⭐️ Indigenous language, with both Lakota and Ojibwe being used throughout the book, and definitions with pronunciations being given at the back of the book;
⭐️ The worldview that all animals have spirits and rights, and it’s our responsibility as caretakers of this land to protect and support these animals.
These concepts are of course important for Indigenous folks across Canada and the USA to read and see represented in books, but the same can be said for non-Indigenous readers. This book has knowledge and lessons for everyone.
One of the biggest highlights to me was that this book is rooted so deeply in a true story. The author’s note at the back of the book was great to read, and I highly recommend that all parents, teachers, caregivers read this note either themselves or to their kids, as it ties the whole story together beautifully. There is something so special knowing Napesni is real. His story is one of hope for Indigenous people across Turtle Island, as it speaks to the movement towards food sovereignty and bison rejuvenation. The author’s note also gave great context to the Lakota and Ojibwe words through the book, which I enjoyed reading and learning my language further. My one wish is that the pronunciation guide found in the glossary at the back of the book be highlighted at the front, so readers can have the knowledge of how to pronounce these words prior to getting to the end.
Overall, this is a profound and beautiful book. Miigwetch for contributing to Indigenous literature; I am immensely grateful books like this exist.
I would like to start off this review by saying I wish I had books like this growing up. As an Ojibwe child, I did not see myself reflected anywhere in media. It’s one of the biggest reasons I read children’s books now as an adult, looking to support, uplift, and share the types of books I wished I had as a child. So, thank you to Rendon for writing such an important book—to Zimmerman for illustrating it so beautifully—and to Charlesbridge for publishing books like this.
This book was very impactful. After reading it once, I had to go back and read it a second time to make sure everything sunk in. This book addressed many themes, including:
⭐️ The importance of bison to Turtle Island and Indigenous people;
⭐️ The variation of flora from region to region, highlighting how various First Nations communities can be found across the lands;
⭐️ Indigenous language, with both Lakota and Ojibwe being used throughout the book, and definitions with pronunciations being given at the back of the book;
⭐️ The worldview that all animals have spirits and rights, and it’s our responsibility as caretakers of this land to protect and support these animals.
These concepts are of course important for Indigenous folks across Canada and the USA to read and see represented in books, but the same can be said for non-Indigenous readers. This book has knowledge and lessons for everyone.
One of the biggest highlights to me was that this book is rooted so deeply in a true story. The author’s note at the back of the book was great to read, and I highly recommend that all parents, teachers, caregivers read this note either themselves or to their kids, as it ties the whole story together beautifully. There is something so special knowing Napesni is real. His story is one of hope for Indigenous people across Turtle Island, as it speaks to the movement towards food sovereignty and bison rejuvenation. The author’s note also gave great context to the Lakota and Ojibwe words through the book, which I enjoyed reading and learning my language further. My one wish is that the pronunciation guide found in the glossary at the back of the book be highlighted at the front, so readers can have the knowledge of how to pronounce these words prior to getting to the end.
Overall, this is a profound and beautiful book. Miigwetch for contributing to Indigenous literature; I am immensely grateful books like this exist.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Napesni Renegade: A Bison's Journey is a lovely tale, based on a true story, that follows a young bison (Napesni) on his journey to a new land. He misses his old home; he wants to go back and be with him family and friends. It is clear he doesn't like this new place; he misses the familiarity of his old home.
The reality of the story, the way it touches on true human emotions through the eyes of this little bison, make it all the more touching. Not only can this story be utilized to teach a piece of history, it could be used to touch on the feelings of loneliness some kids experience in their early lifetime. It will allow for deeper conversations, showing littles that the sort of feelings indigenous people have had because of their experiences is real. While the experiences aren't the same (nor should it be equated as such) it does allow them to see how actions and inactions hurt.
I love that it touches on a topic that isn't spoken of in the classroom often. It will expose students to a new part of American history that they need to know. The glossary at the end of the book I something I truly appreciate; it allows us to learn a little more about the culture this tale comes from. However, I think what I love most about this story is the illustrations. They are stunning; they remind me of different beadwork I have seen by tribes, and they are beautiful. I would definitely recommend this story for in and outside the classroom.
Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The reality of the story, the way it touches on true human emotions through the eyes of this little bison, make it all the more touching. Not only can this story be utilized to teach a piece of history, it could be used to touch on the feelings of loneliness some kids experience in their early lifetime. It will allow for deeper conversations, showing littles that the sort of feelings indigenous people have had because of their experiences is real. While the experiences aren't the same (nor should it be equated as such) it does allow them to see how actions and inactions hurt.
I love that it touches on a topic that isn't spoken of in the classroom often. It will expose students to a new part of American history that they need to know. The glossary at the end of the book I something I truly appreciate; it allows us to learn a little more about the culture this tale comes from. However, I think what I love most about this story is the illustrations. They are stunning; they remind me of different beadwork I have seen by tribes, and they are beautiful. I would definitely recommend this story for in and outside the classroom.
Thank you NetGalley and Charlesbridge for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Napesni is a young bison who is separated from his family. He quickly rebels against humans and becomes known as Renegade, lonely and distant as he roams a new prairie. Will he be reunited with his mother and relatives?
Based on the true story of the Indigenous fight for food sovereignty, this story is one of overcoming the loneliness of separation and coming home to those you love. I thought the illustrations were absolutely gorgeous, so rich in color and beautifully detailed. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Based on the true story of the Indigenous fight for food sovereignty, this story is one of overcoming the loneliness of separation and coming home to those you love. I thought the illustrations were absolutely gorgeous, so rich in color and beautifully detailed. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Based on a true story of a small herd that was relocated in order to preserve the bison. Napesni is rounded up with his family and taken away from home to a new place. When Napesni gets to the new place, he is unable to find his mom and misses the familiar smells of home, so he starts running hoping he can find where he belongs. This is a beautifully illustrated and written book that anyone would enjoy. The note at the end also tells of the real story of Napesni as well as history behind the bison in North America and their importance to American Indians.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Napesni Renegade
A Bison's Journey
Is the true story of interchange between tribes of ethically sourced herd animals. Transported from Cheyenne Windriver reservation a young buffalo calf escapes into the Minnesota country side. He wanders for a while before returning to his herd and mother.
The artwork is the most remarkable part of the story, showing native drawing methods, and native view point.
A Bison's Journey
Is the true story of interchange between tribes of ethically sourced herd animals. Transported from Cheyenne Windriver reservation a young buffalo calf escapes into the Minnesota country side. He wanders for a while before returning to his herd and mother.
The artwork is the most remarkable part of the story, showing native drawing methods, and native view point.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.
This was a cute story. I think it was a bit over my 4 year Olds head so maybe an Older child. I would read this again.
This was a cute story. I think it was a bit over my 4 year Olds head so maybe an Older child. I would read this again.
August 23, 2026
Good story
Review of advance copy
I was able to read this book early as a bookstore employee, we received it just today! Beautiful artwork and story make this a good children's book, but what makes it a 5 star for me, is the educational information in the back. Adults really can learn a lot from kids' books!!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews