Where I Belong

by Tara White

This moving novel of self-discovery and redemption takes place during the Oka Crisis of the summer of 1990. Having been adopted as an infant, Carrie has always felt out of place—and recurring dreams keep warning that someone close to her will be badly hurt. When she finds out that her birth father is living in Kahnawake, Quebec, she goes there and finally finds in a place she truly belongs.

Genres: Indigenous, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Family, Canada, Adoption, Activism

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Claire Schilling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all I didn't like how fast everything went and I actually found it quite boring. I don't like how it was slow at the beginning and went so fast at the end. The ending was too fast, almost like the author didn't have time to write an actual good ending.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lately, Carrie has been haunted by dreams of violence featuring a white bird. When she meets a teenage boy who lives on the reservation, she feels a strong connection with him, and he is sure that she reminds him of someone. By chance, Carrie finds out that she is part of a Mohawk family and has a twin sister. Her journey of self-discovery and connection with her roots is set against the backdrop of a protest against the proposed building in an area sacred to the First Nation peoples in her part of Canada. While there are far too many coincidences to be credible and the resolution of Carrie's split loyalties between her two families are resolved fairly painlessly, there is an raw honesty about this slim volume that makes Carrie's confusion and sense of longing for something more quite palpable. I do have some concerns that it's Carrie's white adoptive mother who has the skills to save her ailing grandmother, a conceit that serves to bond the families but also to have a missionary quality about it.

[Kaiti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could've used some fleshing out in many places, and the pacing wasn't quite right, but it was a good story and considering the reading level designed to be a good introduction to the Oka Crisis.

[Christine J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read! Moves too fast through the plot though. I would have liked more character development and more on the Oka crisis, but it's a good YA book for a reluctant reader.

[Tammy Flanders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly developed.

[Theresa D'Antonio · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fastest moving novel I have ever read. Next thing I knew, it was finished and I felt there was zero character development of anyone. From Carrie to her new family and even her adoptive family. It also left so many unanswered questions. So Carrie finds out she’s Mohawk and her overprotective parents just suddenly agree to let her stay with her biological father and his family? Literally hours after she finds out she has a twin and bio dad her parents are just like okay. Sure but you better call. Umm what? You just let your teenage daughter live with some man who claims he’s the biological father and you don’t even ask to come stay a while as well? This wasn’t even the most bizarre part. Like how Carrie meets tommy at the mall before that, and one of her mom’s patients not only recognizes Carrie but instantly calls her mom to tell her she’s with a boy? Are there no boundaries in a doctor/patient relationship? At least say an aunt saw them. I thought that was so ridiculous. Also the story goes so quickly. Carrie has these vivid dreams, finds out she’s Mohawk and now she’s got this instant bond to her culture and people and is risking her life for it all? It seems like this all happened in a span of 3 days. Then she calls the father she just found out about, dad. I feel like In this case, the author needed another 100 pages to give more depth to this novel. Especially if this is going to be used in schools to teach children about the history or culture of indigenous people…this barely touched on any important topics or traditions other than (and very vaguely) dreams, sacred burial grounds, and using nature to heal. 1.5/5 for me.

[okbutbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disappointed. The premise of the story is one that is incredibly original and promising, but the writing does not do it any justice. Very slow and lackluster character building, rendering most characters - even the protagonist at times - unlikeable. The story in contrast to the character building is incredibly fast paced with major plot holes and empty dialogue. This would have made for such an amazing novella if it had been written better.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a good premise but it was too short to fully dive into any issues. This was a book geared for Grade 7/8 students for a book club and I do think this is suited to Grade 7/8s but this book lacked details and could have been more involved. The characters were not very developed and the book lacked overall detail of some key issues that many Indigenous people face.

[Nathaniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite enjoyable, but still just a three star. I like the way Tara White writes her characters. This had some important stuff in it. It’s not often that I find a contemporary about indigenous characters, but I really enjoyed reading this one.

[Chantelle Cotton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story to help discuss big topics like Oka, identity, belonging, adoption, Indigenous knowledge. Great story to open up many questions for an independent inquiry.

Grades 4-6 level of reading but perfect for newcomers when learning more about Canada

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read that was filled with weighty matters. The idea of indigenous children being adopted into non-indigenous families is not new, however this book crafts a story of self discovery and healing that brings hope.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful novella about coming home, adoption, restoration of culture, and finding true identity. This Own Voices book, set in Canada, explores important themes of modern Indigenous lives.

[Sara Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for Upper Elem/Middle years intro to Oka crisis

[JL Salty]

pre-read as possible diversity / inclusivity Native American title. Found in Mackin search. 11/21

[Mila Cosentino · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who is adopted I really love the ending 3.5⭐️

[Camille Hayden · Rating 2 out of 5]

its ok (had to read in English class)

[Rhiannon's Reading Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Carrie has always known she was adopted, but she's never had any idea where her parents were from. When she meets a boy from a Mohawk reservation things begin to falls into place, and Carrie embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

Interest Level: ages 13+
Reading Level: ages 9+

OVERALL RATING 5/10
This book tells an important story, and I honestly wish I could give it a much higher rating. Unfortunately, the pace of this book is far too fast. The scenes included are only the bare minimum to convey the story, and even then many plot points didn't make sense. I never felt invested in any characters, as there was no time to learn who they where. It really is too bad, since this could have been an amazing book with a couple hundred extra pages. Sadly, I would not reccomend reading this one.

[mr. darcy’s left pinky toe · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was not my personal cup of tea, but the author signed my book with a personalized note so now i will cherish it forever.