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The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls
A middle-grade novel by James Bird about a boy sent to his Ojibwe family to straighten out his life.
Benjamin Waterfalls comes from a broken home, and the quickest fix he’s found for his life is to fill that emptiness with stuff he steals and then sells. But he’s been caught one too many times, and when he appears before a tough judge, his mother proposes sending him to “boot camp” at the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live.
Soon he is on his way to Grand Portage, Minnesota, to live with his father – the man Benny hasn’t seen in years. Not only is “boot camp” not what he expects, but his rehabilitation seems to be in the hands of the tribal leader’s daughter, who wears a mask. Why? Finding the answer to this and so many other questions prove tougher than any military-style boot camp. Will answers be enough for Benny to turn his life around and embrace his second chance?
Benjamin Waterfalls comes from a broken home, and the quickest fix he’s found for his life is to fill that emptiness with stuff he steals and then sells. But he’s been caught one too many times, and when he appears before a tough judge, his mother proposes sending him to “boot camp” at the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live.
Soon he is on his way to Grand Portage, Minnesota, to live with his father – the man Benny hasn’t seen in years. Not only is “boot camp” not what he expects, but his rehabilitation seems to be in the hands of the tribal leader’s daughter, who wears a mask. Why? Finding the answer to this and so many other questions prove tougher than any military-style boot camp. Will answers be enough for Benny to turn his life around and embrace his second chance?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2022
12 people are currently reading
1990 people want to read
About the author
James Bird
22 books77 followersThere is more than one author in the Goodreads catalog with this name. This entry is for James ^2 Bird.
James Bird is a screenwriter and director at the independent film company, Zombot Pictures; his films include We Are Boats and Honeyglue. A California native of Ojibwe descent, he now lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts with his wife, the author and actor Adriana Mather, and their son. The Brave is his debut novel.
James Bird is a screenwriter and director at the independent film company, Zombot Pictures; his films include We Are Boats and Honeyglue. A California native of Ojibwe descent, he now lives in Swampscott, Massachusetts with his wife, the author and actor Adriana Mather, and their son. The Brave is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 11, 2023
Shucks. I sought this book out because I was told it begins in Duluth, MN and takes place mostly in Grand Portage - land that I love.
After reading it (I skimmed much of the second half), I learned that the author is a native of Southern California who now lives in Massachusetts. Which explains a lot about why the descriptions and setting felt so off throughout.
When I was in early grade school, we put on a special program, the one program that stands out to me over all of my school years. Our student art was hung on display. We recited bits of poetry: "Ewa-yea! my little owlet!" (Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha)
We sang Land of the Silver Birch, which has resonated throughout my life with experiencing my surroundings in northern Minnesota and Canada, as have the words of Sir Walter Scott:
"Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!"
Author James Bird is an enrolled member of Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe who has lived as geographically far away from that northern reservation as one can get without leaving the country. (Roughly 2300 miles.) .
I'm not Native American, but I did grow up surrounded by Ojibwe culture and communities in every direction. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to my south. Fond du Lac reservation to my east. Leech Lake reservation to my west. And Red Lake, Bois Forte, and Grand Portage tribes across my north. I went to school with Ojibwe kids. I have native Ojibwe friends and relatives. This place is at the center of of my heart, my experience, and knowledge. Through his writing, I felt Bird is someone "Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!"
I am a big stickler for getting setting right. If you're portraying a real place, you owe it to that place, the people who live there, and the reader, to get it right. Because of my strong sense of place, this didn't read well for me.
I haven't read his previous book, Brave, but it sounds like this is a duplicate of that book, with a main character who is a kleptomaniac instead of having OCD, and it takes place on the Grand Portage reservation instead of Fond du Lac - which he is also criticized for not paying accurate respect to.
From a piece written by Debbie Reese for American Indians in Children's Literature
(about the author's previous book, Brave):
"It may be useful.. as a case study in what can go wrong when you attempt to place a work of fiction in an actual landscape without consulting the community on basic issues of the environment the author wishes to portray. These issues center around culture and accountability to that community. The use of imagination can account for only a bit of leeway before it bubbles over as cultural appropriation and disrespect to the community portrayed without consultation or basis in fact."
I didn't like the way the main character, Benny, was so disrespectful to everyone around him. With the breaking the law and budding romance, I'm wondering if this would've worked better as YA (12+) than middle grade (8-12).
Something I liked about the book was the Anishinaabe language and definitions throughout.
Giga'waabamin.
After reading it (I skimmed much of the second half), I learned that the author is a native of Southern California who now lives in Massachusetts. Which explains a lot about why the descriptions and setting felt so off throughout.
When I was in early grade school, we put on a special program, the one program that stands out to me over all of my school years. Our student art was hung on display. We recited bits of poetry: "Ewa-yea! my little owlet!" (Longfellow's The Song of Hiawatha)
We sang Land of the Silver Birch, which has resonated throughout my life with experiencing my surroundings in northern Minnesota and Canada, as have the words of Sir Walter Scott:
"Breathes there the man, with soul so dead,
Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!"
Author James Bird is an enrolled member of Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe who has lived as geographically far away from that northern reservation as one can get without leaving the country. (Roughly 2300 miles.) .
I'm not Native American, but I did grow up surrounded by Ojibwe culture and communities in every direction. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to my south. Fond du Lac reservation to my east. Leech Lake reservation to my west. And Red Lake, Bois Forte, and Grand Portage tribes across my north. I went to school with Ojibwe kids. I have native Ojibwe friends and relatives. This place is at the center of of my heart, my experience, and knowledge. Through his writing, I felt Bird is someone "Who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land!"
I am a big stickler for getting setting right. If you're portraying a real place, you owe it to that place, the people who live there, and the reader, to get it right. Because of my strong sense of place, this didn't read well for me.
I haven't read his previous book, Brave, but it sounds like this is a duplicate of that book, with a main character who is a kleptomaniac instead of having OCD, and it takes place on the Grand Portage reservation instead of Fond du Lac - which he is also criticized for not paying accurate respect to.
From a piece written by Debbie Reese for American Indians in Children's Literature
(about the author's previous book, Brave):
"It may be useful.. as a case study in what can go wrong when you attempt to place a work of fiction in an actual landscape without consulting the community on basic issues of the environment the author wishes to portray. These issues center around culture and accountability to that community. The use of imagination can account for only a bit of leeway before it bubbles over as cultural appropriation and disrespect to the community portrayed without consultation or basis in fact."
I didn't like the way the main character, Benny, was so disrespectful to everyone around him. With the breaking the law and budding romance, I'm wondering if this would've worked better as YA (12+) than middle grade (8-12).
Something I liked about the book was the Anishinaabe language and definitions throughout.
Giga'waabamin.
April 28, 2022
James Bird did it again with this powerful Native American Middle Grade about becoming the inner Superhero we all have inside of us! Bird has a way with words that make the story come alive! I listened to the Audiobook which was just as phenomenal! (Im glad I did. It helped me a lot with the Native American language. I can barely pronounce English as it is hahaha) This is a Story about Benjamin where he gets in trouble with the Law with Shoplifting so he is sent to the Objibwe reservation to live with his Father and a Boot Camp of sorts. He meets some amazing and wonderful people who help him on his journey of Forgiveness (self-forgiveness as well) and Acceptance of himself to pull the inner Superhero out! I will state I think my fav character in this has to go to Niimi. She is a wise and powerful young lady! Also I loved the cameo of Grandma and Seven from Brave. I cried my eyes out and related so heavily with Benny and his Fathers relationship hardcore! I will be recommending this book to everyone!!!! I can’t wait to read more from James Bird in the future! I need it!!!!!!!!!!
September 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this a lot. It felt real and I liked the characters, especially Benjamin. He was flawed and acted like his age. I also liked how the author merged Ojibwe teachings into the narrative. I think this should be required reading in schools. Let's make it happen!
Thank you for the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC in exchanged for my honest review.
Thank you for the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC in exchanged for my honest review.
April 3, 2022
Sensational. This book takes you on a roller coaster of a journey through Benjamin's adventure trying to rediscover the good kid he has buried deep inside himself. Thus story will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you wonder. In the end, it definitely leaves a wonderful feeling and reminds us all that we are capable of being superheroes.
January 7, 2023
☀️🌄🚞The Second Change of Benjamin Waterfalls🚞🌄☀️
Benjamin Waterfalls considers himself a master thief, until he is caught one day. This is not his first time in court, and the judge decides that his sentence: Benjamin will go to stay with his father. He hasn't seen his father since he left many years ago, and deeply resents his father for leaving his mother to raise him alone. So, when he meets his father, he realizes that he is not the man he used to be. A light existed within his eyes, a happiness and healthiness that was never apparent in the time he met his father. To make matters worse, his father had married a new woman . . . making Benjamin absolutely furious. He meets a girl named Niimi Waatese who wears a mask on her face, and will help him bloom. Throughout the whole journey, Niimi guides him to re-discover the hero inside of him.
*Every single person in this world can view a work of literature and have completely different thoughts and opinions. My opinion is not meant to offend you. If you do not want to see a review criticizing your favorite book (or a book you enjoyed), then I recommend not to proceed with reading this review.
Having loved The Brave, I was disappointed. However, this book just didn't fit my personal reading tastes as well as James Bird's other books. In Bird's previous novels he was criticized for inaccurately representing certain parts of Ojibwe culture, as well as inaccurately representing certain places and experiences. When reading a couple of reviews I found there to be complaints that this book didn't necessarily represent, accurately either. I love what I have seen about Ojibwe culture through James Bird's books, but I would love to see something that could accurately depict the culture.
Moving on from that, I did feel like certain parts of this book actually seemed to support certain stereotypes. Benny was a character I couldn't find anything to like. Yes, he had a complicated backstory and did struggle. That gave him no excuse to be rude and steal from others constantly. While he thought of himself as a master thief, he tended to get caught extremely easily . . . and his thieving scenes all felt extremely lazy. Benny would do things by saying "you people" and "a Ojibwe people thing." Here's another quote: This looks like what white people wear on Halloween when they dress up as "Indians." Benny just had all these nasty comments that were honestly irritating.
His relationship with his mother felt very thin and flimsy, and the whole mention of his mother dating the judge was just awkward. It was quite hard when all the characters around Benny were all extremely likable. I felt like the plot didn't pick up till the very end. Before that, not much actually happened. There was that whole scene where Benny passes out in the forest and sees a bear, only to realize "wait, is it the stuffy bear?"
Niimi has all these beautiful words and concepts, such as the three parts inside of us. I felt as though Benny's sudden change of heart was extremely sudden. So were his sudden feelings for Niimi. This was overall an okay read for me. I really loved the reference to Collin's character that was mind-blowing!!! (There is a scene that connects both characters meaning that they exist in the same sort of bookverse. . . fantastic!)
🆗PLOT
⛔CHARACTERS
Benjamin Waterfalls considers himself a master thief, until he is caught one day. This is not his first time in court, and the judge decides that his sentence: Benjamin will go to stay with his father. He hasn't seen his father since he left many years ago, and deeply resents his father for leaving his mother to raise him alone. So, when he meets his father, he realizes that he is not the man he used to be. A light existed within his eyes, a happiness and healthiness that was never apparent in the time he met his father. To make matters worse, his father had married a new woman . . . making Benjamin absolutely furious. He meets a girl named Niimi Waatese who wears a mask on her face, and will help him bloom. Throughout the whole journey, Niimi guides him to re-discover the hero inside of him.
*Every single person in this world can view a work of literature and have completely different thoughts and opinions. My opinion is not meant to offend you. If you do not want to see a review criticizing your favorite book (or a book you enjoyed), then I recommend not to proceed with reading this review.
Having loved The Brave, I was disappointed. However, this book just didn't fit my personal reading tastes as well as James Bird's other books. In Bird's previous novels he was criticized for inaccurately representing certain parts of Ojibwe culture, as well as inaccurately representing certain places and experiences. When reading a couple of reviews I found there to be complaints that this book didn't necessarily represent, accurately either. I love what I have seen about Ojibwe culture through James Bird's books, but I would love to see something that could accurately depict the culture.
Moving on from that, I did feel like certain parts of this book actually seemed to support certain stereotypes. Benny was a character I couldn't find anything to like. Yes, he had a complicated backstory and did struggle. That gave him no excuse to be rude and steal from others constantly. While he thought of himself as a master thief, he tended to get caught extremely easily . . . and his thieving scenes all felt extremely lazy. Benny would do things by saying "you people" and "a Ojibwe people thing." Here's another quote: This looks like what white people wear on Halloween when they dress up as "Indians." Benny just had all these nasty comments that were honestly irritating.
His relationship with his mother felt very thin and flimsy, and the whole mention of his mother dating the judge was just awkward. It was quite hard when all the characters around Benny were all extremely likable. I felt like the plot didn't pick up till the very end. Before that, not much actually happened. There was that whole scene where Benny passes out in the forest and sees a bear, only to realize "wait, is it the stuffy bear?"
Niimi has all these beautiful words and concepts, such as the three parts inside of us. I felt as though Benny's sudden change of heart was extremely sudden. So were his sudden feelings for Niimi. This was overall an okay read for me. I really loved the reference to Collin's character that was mind-blowing!!! (There is a scene that connects both characters meaning that they exist in the same sort of bookverse. . . fantastic!)
🆗PLOT
⛔CHARACTERS
October 13, 2023
I'm so happy books like this exist. I like that there is room for stories about "bad" kids, and that they can learn to grow and change. Just felt the execution was a bit off.
Benny Waterfalls is an indigenous kid who keeps getting into trouble for shoplifting. As a last ditch effort to turn his behavior around, his mom (and a friendly judge) sentences him to spend time with his estranged father, who left the family due to his alcoholism seven years earlier and has not spoken with Benny since. Benny wants nothing to do with this man who left him, and what's worse, this man who made Benny's life hell has made a new life with a new family in a place where people respect and even admire him. He also meets a girl named Nimi who wears a mask and challenges him to find the superhero inside of him. Can Benny learn to change his ways despite his anger towards his father and the downright unconventionality of Nimi's teachings?
Love the characters and Ojibwe culture that weaves through this novel, and I felt Benny was really believable until
Again, I like that this book exists and want to see more like it.
Benny Waterfalls is an indigenous kid who keeps getting into trouble for shoplifting. As a last ditch effort to turn his behavior around, his mom (and a friendly judge) sentences him to spend time with his estranged father, who left the family due to his alcoholism seven years earlier and has not spoken with Benny since. Benny wants nothing to do with this man who left him, and what's worse, this man who made Benny's life hell has made a new life with a new family in a place where people respect and even admire him. He also meets a girl named Nimi who wears a mask and challenges him to find the superhero inside of him. Can Benny learn to change his ways despite his anger towards his father and the downright unconventionality of Nimi's teachings?
Love the characters and Ojibwe culture that weaves through this novel, and I felt Benny was really believable until
Again, I like that this book exists and want to see more like it.
January 12, 2023
Mmmmmm. Still looking for an Ojibwe reviewer's opinion on this one. Some scathing criticism of his first one that I didn't find until I was searching for reviews on this just now.
It's possible I just wasn't the reader for this book, and what felt clunky and artificial to me was a function of the audience or style?
ETA: it's 4am and I've been stuck awake for half an hour because I keep thinking of things that bother me about this story.
I kept thinking of her as like 16 rather than 13, until I was reminded at the end that she's his age because of the odd shoehorned romance. And then I was like wait, her dad is the tribal leader and she's expected to take his place... there's no way he's ignorant of power structures and how she'll have to operate within them but he wants to pull her out of school at 13? I get it if she was 16 and was like eh, this is what I want, I'm getting my GED or whatever. But middle school? (School related side note: George was homeschooled but it was "too expensive"??? Homeschooling definitely *can* be expensive depending on how you do it but it doesn't have to be. Weird.)
Also is this historical fiction?!?!?!?!? Genuine question, not snark. What year is it? There's a laptop and email and Google, George is playing a video game w other ppl online. WHERE ARE THE CELLPHONES? I'm trying to think back and there are zero cellphones? No texting? There's no way this kid was fencing stolen goods in Duluth in the last 15 years with no phone! Maybe his mom took his phone away, that makes sense in terms of punishment, but he doesn't think about it or mention it? And nobody else has a phone either? Internet is expensive but phones can be cheap even with data. I understand not wanting to wrestle with the messiness of tweens/teens and social media in your plot, but to just ignore cellphones entirely feels like something an editor should have caught so it was addressed at least?
Ok. Hoping to get back to sleep now that's out of my system.
It's possible I just wasn't the reader for this book, and what felt clunky and artificial to me was a function of the audience or style?
ETA: it's 4am and I've been stuck awake for half an hour because I keep thinking of things that bother me about this story.
I kept thinking of her as like 16 rather than 13, until I was reminded at the end that she's his age because of the odd shoehorned romance. And then I was like wait, her dad is the tribal leader and she's expected to take his place... there's no way he's ignorant of power structures and how she'll have to operate within them but he wants to pull her out of school at 13? I get it if she was 16 and was like eh, this is what I want, I'm getting my GED or whatever. But middle school? (School related side note: George was homeschooled but it was "too expensive"??? Homeschooling definitely *can* be expensive depending on how you do it but it doesn't have to be. Weird.)
Also is this historical fiction?!?!?!?!? Genuine question, not snark. What year is it? There's a laptop and email and Google, George is playing a video game w other ppl online. WHERE ARE THE CELLPHONES? I'm trying to think back and there are zero cellphones? No texting? There's no way this kid was fencing stolen goods in Duluth in the last 15 years with no phone! Maybe his mom took his phone away, that makes sense in terms of punishment, but he doesn't think about it or mention it? And nobody else has a phone either? Internet is expensive but phones can be cheap even with data. I understand not wanting to wrestle with the messiness of tweens/teens and social media in your plot, but to just ignore cellphones entirely feels like something an editor should have caught so it was addressed at least?
Ok. Hoping to get back to sleep now that's out of my system.
April 9, 2023
A thief is offered a second chance in this MG novel.
🌅
Benjamin Waterfalls has been caught stealing many times. He stands before the same judge who let him off with a warning last time, only this time the judge takes Benny’s mom’s suggestion and sends him to live with the father he hasn’t seen in seven years. Benny’s dad lives on the Ojibwe reservation in Grand Portage, Minnesota. When Benny gets there he wishes he was anywhere else. After meeting the tribal council’s daughter, Benny has another person invested in his behavior. Together, along with Benny’s dad, stepmom and the whole town, they try and help Benny change his ways.
🌅
I really wish I’d liked this one more. I love reading indigenous stories, but found Benny to be a very unlikable character and his turnaround just wasn’t believable. I loved everyone else in the story so it was hard to rate this one, but I decided on 3.5 ⭐️
CW: theft, death of a parent (recounted), parental abandonment, alcoholism, car accident (recounted)
🌅
Benjamin Waterfalls has been caught stealing many times. He stands before the same judge who let him off with a warning last time, only this time the judge takes Benny’s mom’s suggestion and sends him to live with the father he hasn’t seen in seven years. Benny’s dad lives on the Ojibwe reservation in Grand Portage, Minnesota. When Benny gets there he wishes he was anywhere else. After meeting the tribal council’s daughter, Benny has another person invested in his behavior. Together, along with Benny’s dad, stepmom and the whole town, they try and help Benny change his ways.
🌅
I really wish I’d liked this one more. I love reading indigenous stories, but found Benny to be a very unlikable character and his turnaround just wasn’t believable. I loved everyone else in the story so it was hard to rate this one, but I decided on 3.5 ⭐️
CW: theft, death of a parent (recounted), parental abandonment, alcoholism, car accident (recounted)
did-not-finish
March 13, 2024DNF p184
There’s nothing wrong with this book tho I’ve noticed between this one and The Brave, James Bird seems to really enjoy weird girls being the foil to the guys who helps them in personal growth. I wanted to read his backlist because I loved No Place Like Home, but neither has really worked for me, which saddens me but I hope they find the right audience for the books because they’re not bad, just not right for me.
There’s nothing wrong with this book tho I’ve noticed between this one and The Brave, James Bird seems to really enjoy weird girls being the foil to the guys who helps them in personal growth. I wanted to read his backlist because I loved No Place Like Home, but neither has really worked for me, which saddens me but I hope they find the right audience for the books because they’re not bad, just not right for me.
February 6, 2022
Through a series of stories Benjamin is told, he learns of the choices he has in all that he does. I liked the image of the three people within each of us.
November 12, 2023
Taught this for quarter 1 :)
August 17, 2021
A heartfelt story that tackles difficult issues with humor and adventurousness and a touch of magic. To anyone pandering about how and what children should or shouldn’t do - maybe you should actually open your eyes and look at the world we live in these days. Kids deal with seriously messed up stuff. Pretending like it isn’t so isn’t doing those kids any good.
December 17, 2022
I wish I had read some of the criticism of James Bird's first novel before I started on this one. It might have saved me a confusing reading experience.
I thought I was picking up an OwnVoices novel about life in an Ojibwe community in Northern Minnesota. Instead, I got a mishmash of fantasy with some Native American trappings that seems to have been written by someone who has never visited the North Shore. The descriptions of the landscape are superficial at best, while well-known landmarks are depicted inaccurately.
The core story had its compelling moments. I thought Bird did a good job depicting a young teen with a compulsion to steal. His emotional arc rings true. That said, the constant "Dad jokes" and the manic pixie dream girl character who guides the main character's reformation wore thin really fast. And it doesn't seem possible that all the action in this story could have happened in the space of a few days.
Young readers looking for an authentic depiction of Native American life had better look elsewhere.
I thought I was picking up an OwnVoices novel about life in an Ojibwe community in Northern Minnesota. Instead, I got a mishmash of fantasy with some Native American trappings that seems to have been written by someone who has never visited the North Shore. The descriptions of the landscape are superficial at best, while well-known landmarks are depicted inaccurately.
The core story had its compelling moments. I thought Bird did a good job depicting a young teen with a compulsion to steal. His emotional arc rings true. That said, the constant "Dad jokes" and the manic pixie dream girl character who guides the main character's reformation wore thin really fast. And it doesn't seem possible that all the action in this story could have happened in the space of a few days.
Young readers looking for an authentic depiction of Native American life had better look elsewhere.
September 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this "coming of age" novel and all of the lesson that were directly and indirectly taught. We learn a lot in this book through the intentional cultural aspects, dialogue, family dynamics, and actions of the main character, Benjamin. The overbearing theme of trust and finding your way "back on the path" can be highly influential to young adults.
September 10, 2022
Great messages throughout the book. One of my favorites was becoming your inner superhero.
September 7, 2022
This book does a really good job at showing the overall personal and emotional development of the main character from start to finish. The books adds cultural aspects to the entire story and also holds a very good overall message about doing the "right thing," even if it isn't what you always want to do.
October 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book a lot. I like the cultural pieces in this book showing the Ojibwe language and how they had different cultural activities put in the book. I also like the character change throughout the book showing the character development. Overall this book has a lot of upbeat adventurous parts in the book, and it also kept me on my toes. I would reread this book again. 2022
April 18, 2022
Benjamin is in big trouble. He’s been caught stealing and is in court, sassing to a judge. His mother, desperate to both keep her son out of jail, and yet not let him get away with his behavior (she’s close to her wit’s end with him, you can tell), persuades the judge that if Benny is sent to live with his father on the Objibwe reservation, he’ll go through a “Native American bootcamp” that will reform him. The judge agrees, and Benny is on his way.
His still really mad with his father for leaving him and his mom. His father’s girlfriend seems really cool, but Benny hates her too, just on principle. The first day, he’s expected to come along to work in her bookstore, where he meets a strange girl who wears a mask covering her face (not a COVID mask but one over her eyes.) This girl, Nimii, is the chief’s daughter, and she’s kind of magical. She’s taking on a position in the tribe where she spends time with tribal members who are troubled in various ways, and helps them. Sometimes it’s just talking to them, sometimes it’s more elaborate, and she’s dragging Benjamin along with her on her visits. He’s annoyed by it, but it gets him out of the bookstore, and also away from his dad-joke telling father, and away from George (basically his step-brother) who seems like a damaged recluse. Also, he wants to know why Nimii wears that mask and he thinks eventually he’ll see her face or she’ll tell him. What he doesn’t realize is that her dragging him around to all these people and seeing others’ struggles and problems, is his own lesson and is helping him with his problems. He’s confused about this “Native American bootcamp” even while it’s happening to him. A lot of what he needs to learn is what is means to be part of a community.
A compelling read! Beautiful concepts of ethics presented in unusual ways, perfect for maturing minds figuring out their way in the world.
His still really mad with his father for leaving him and his mom. His father’s girlfriend seems really cool, but Benny hates her too, just on principle. The first day, he’s expected to come along to work in her bookstore, where he meets a strange girl who wears a mask covering her face (not a COVID mask but one over her eyes.) This girl, Nimii, is the chief’s daughter, and she’s kind of magical. She’s taking on a position in the tribe where she spends time with tribal members who are troubled in various ways, and helps them. Sometimes it’s just talking to them, sometimes it’s more elaborate, and she’s dragging Benjamin along with her on her visits. He’s annoyed by it, but it gets him out of the bookstore, and also away from his dad-joke telling father, and away from George (basically his step-brother) who seems like a damaged recluse. Also, he wants to know why Nimii wears that mask and he thinks eventually he’ll see her face or she’ll tell him. What he doesn’t realize is that her dragging him around to all these people and seeing others’ struggles and problems, is his own lesson and is helping him with his problems. He’s confused about this “Native American bootcamp” even while it’s happening to him. A lot of what he needs to learn is what is means to be part of a community.
A compelling read! Beautiful concepts of ethics presented in unusual ways, perfect for maturing minds figuring out their way in the world.
April 7, 2022
Thanks, publisher and Netgalley, for this ARC. For the record, I received an audiobook version of this book.
When Benny gets busted AGAIN for stealing, the judge gives him a rather strange sentence: he has to go stay on an Ojibwe reservation with his father, a recovering alcoholic whom Benny says is dead to him. It is there that Benny meets a strange girl who wears a superhero mask, and through her learns about himself, his roots, second chances, and the power of love and forgiveness. The story was amazing, and the characters were well developed. There was obviously a lot of Ojibwe ceremonies, traditions, and language represented, but at the same time, the book has a universal theme of growth that all young readers can identify with. I teach Children’s Literature at a university with a focus on Native American literature, and will definitely incorporate this book in future classes!
When Benny gets busted AGAIN for stealing, the judge gives him a rather strange sentence: he has to go stay on an Ojibwe reservation with his father, a recovering alcoholic whom Benny says is dead to him. It is there that Benny meets a strange girl who wears a superhero mask, and through her learns about himself, his roots, second chances, and the power of love and forgiveness. The story was amazing, and the characters were well developed. There was obviously a lot of Ojibwe ceremonies, traditions, and language represented, but at the same time, the book has a universal theme of growth that all young readers can identify with. I teach Children’s Literature at a university with a focus on Native American literature, and will definitely incorporate this book in future classes!
July 15, 2022
Pros: A quirky badass girl as the "rescuer." Lots of Ojibwe language. A focus on becoming a better person, despite mistakes of the past. Cons: completely unlikeable main character. Intentional public humiliation. A 12 year old being pulled out of school and named as the inheritor of the )responsibility of "blooming" (helping people achieve their truth and potential). A character who hunts wolves for sport (but does end of realizing that's wrong, thanks to the girl). Is there magic realism or is there not? Too similar to the plot of the author's previous book. This book honestly made no sense and kinda made me mad. I would have loved to see some more real Ojibwe culture and community, maybe actual Ojibwe values (evidently there are seven of them, all very good), not a bunch of mystic hoodoo, confusing situations, and "blooming."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
My second book by the great James Bird. Classified as a middle school book, however I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy his writing.
Benjamin Waterfalls is a young thief. It’s his mode of operation following his father leaving his mother & him when he was 7. After getting caught many times he’s headed to Juvie, when his mother asks the Judge for a reprieve. Which is to live with his Obijuwa father on the Rez for the summer. There he goes thru ‘boot camp’ with a young girl who teaches him many lessons.
Benjamin Waterfalls is a young thief. It’s his mode of operation following his father leaving his mother & him when he was 7. After getting caught many times he’s headed to Juvie, when his mother asks the Judge for a reprieve. Which is to live with his Obijuwa father on the Rez for the summer. There he goes thru ‘boot camp’ with a young girl who teaches him many lessons.
July 27, 2022
When Benny is caught shoplifting – again – the judge agrees to his mother’s request to send him to his father for Ojibwe “boot camp.” The father who abandoned him 7 years ago. The father who has a new wife and new (step)son. Benny’s boot camp is not what he expected. He is assigned to help Niimi, the chief’s daughter, with her job of “blooming” people. This is one book readers should judge by the stunning cover.
November 16, 2022
This book was an interesting read because of the engaging elements it had within the book. This book had the aspects and message that people can change over time if they had the right guidance. The main Character in this book is Benjamin Waterfall who come from a Native American tribe. this realistic fiction book shares elements that I liked within the book because it helped me connect to the book and understand the morals within the book.
November 15, 2022
This is a great story about redemption and overcoming ones past! It inspired me to take a look at myself and better myself. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
April 6, 2022
3.5 stars
Benjamin Waterfalls comes from a broken home, and the quickest fix he’s found for his life is to fill that emptiness with stuff he steals and then sells. But he’s been caught one too many times, and when he appears before a tough judge, his mother proposes sending him to “boot camp” at the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live.
Soon he is on his way to Grand Portage, MN, to live with his father – the man Benny hasn’t seen in years. Not only is “boot camp” not what he expects, but his rehabilitation seems to be in the hands of the tribal leader’s daughter, who wears a mask. Why? Finding the answer to this and so many other questions prove tougher than any military-style boot camp.
Thanks to Macmillan Children's and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! I've been on a bit of a middle grade kick lately, and this definitely fit the bill. This is my first James Bird book, but I'm definitely interested in reading more! He has a middle grade voice that's easy to read and fills caps in middle grade literature.
For the most part, this book was reflective. Looking at choices we make in life and how that takes us different places. There's a touch of magical realism in this that further emphasizes Benjamin's journey and works for the context of the story. And the setting! Bird pulled on a lot of Ojibwe traditions, making the story feel authentic.
There's some great character development in this as well. Readers will relate to Benny's journey, one where he realizes changes he needs to make in his life. While his struggles aren't easy, they are struggles that middle grade readers will be able to relate to on some level. However, it does feel a bit like the resolution was a little rushed. I think the ending could have been drawn out a little more.
All in all, if you're looking for a diverse, coming of age, middle grade story, this will definitely fit the bill!
Benjamin Waterfalls comes from a broken home, and the quickest fix he’s found for his life is to fill that emptiness with stuff he steals and then sells. But he’s been caught one too many times, and when he appears before a tough judge, his mother proposes sending him to “boot camp” at the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live.
Soon he is on his way to Grand Portage, MN, to live with his father – the man Benny hasn’t seen in years. Not only is “boot camp” not what he expects, but his rehabilitation seems to be in the hands of the tribal leader’s daughter, who wears a mask. Why? Finding the answer to this and so many other questions prove tougher than any military-style boot camp.
Thanks to Macmillan Children's and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! I've been on a bit of a middle grade kick lately, and this definitely fit the bill. This is my first James Bird book, but I'm definitely interested in reading more! He has a middle grade voice that's easy to read and fills caps in middle grade literature.
For the most part, this book was reflective. Looking at choices we make in life and how that takes us different places. There's a touch of magical realism in this that further emphasizes Benjamin's journey and works for the context of the story. And the setting! Bird pulled on a lot of Ojibwe traditions, making the story feel authentic.
There's some great character development in this as well. Readers will relate to Benny's journey, one where he realizes changes he needs to make in his life. While his struggles aren't easy, they are struggles that middle grade readers will be able to relate to on some level. However, it does feel a bit like the resolution was a little rushed. I think the ending could have been drawn out a little more.
All in all, if you're looking for a diverse, coming of age, middle grade story, this will definitely fit the bill!
Read
November 7, 2022If you are looking for a book to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, look for a copy of THE SECOND CHANCE OF BENJAMIN WATERFALLS by James Bird.
Benjamin lives in Duluth. He spends most of his time shoplifting from the local mall or simply stealing anything that catches his eye. He has been caught a number of times, but this time he finds himself in court with a judge who means business.
The judge is about to sentence him when Benjamin's mother speaks up. She suggests that Benjamin be sent to stay with his father at the Objibwe reservation. It would be a "boot camp" of sorts. The judge agrees and Benjamin finds himself on a bus headed to see a father who left him behind years ago.
It is difficult to understand what he is supposed to learn from a guy who drank too much and abandoned his family. Benjamin isn't expecting too much from his deadbeat dad when he arrives at the reservation. What he does find is his father's new wife, a step-brother, three giant dogs, and a girl in a mask. An angry Benjamin sticks to his old ways of stealing and shoplifting, but he soon is touched by a magical something that has him rethinking his ways. Could his new surroundings and the girl in the mask change Benjamin for the better?
Author James Bird takes readers into his Objibwe culture in this tale of reform and rebirth. Readers will easily connect with the characters and the heartwarming relationships Bird creates as Benjamin earns his second chance and begins to understand what it means to be a good person.
Benjamin lives in Duluth. He spends most of his time shoplifting from the local mall or simply stealing anything that catches his eye. He has been caught a number of times, but this time he finds himself in court with a judge who means business.
The judge is about to sentence him when Benjamin's mother speaks up. She suggests that Benjamin be sent to stay with his father at the Objibwe reservation. It would be a "boot camp" of sorts. The judge agrees and Benjamin finds himself on a bus headed to see a father who left him behind years ago.
It is difficult to understand what he is supposed to learn from a guy who drank too much and abandoned his family. Benjamin isn't expecting too much from his deadbeat dad when he arrives at the reservation. What he does find is his father's new wife, a step-brother, three giant dogs, and a girl in a mask. An angry Benjamin sticks to his old ways of stealing and shoplifting, but he soon is touched by a magical something that has him rethinking his ways. Could his new surroundings and the girl in the mask change Benjamin for the better?
Author James Bird takes readers into his Objibwe culture in this tale of reform and rebirth. Readers will easily connect with the characters and the heartwarming relationships Bird creates as Benjamin earns his second chance and begins to understand what it means to be a good person.
January 12, 2023
Our last #motherdaughterreviews of 2022 is ending on a high note, not only is this my final review for the year, it’s also my favorite Middle grade book pick for this year.
Last month we picked The Second chance of Benjamin Waterfalls by James Bird, sadly November and December were very busy, but I’m finally sharing our thoughts.
Her review:
This was a very interesting story. It’s a new perspective that I’ve never thought of before and it’s a different inna fun and relatable way. My favorite parts are qhen Benjamin and Niimi meet in the bookstore, when they interact for the first time, which js the start of their friendship; and towards the end, George opens up a but and is friendly towards Benny. Both parts are impacting and sweet, along with being a large step towards Bennys new future. This book is different and fun and truly shows the meaning of second chances.
My review:
This book deserves more hype. It is a wonderful coming of age story. A very troubled boy is learning that his actions have consequences. He is flawed and he does not immediately see that what her does is wrong. He frequently makes wrong choices. I like that he does not immediately change for the better, that it takes him time to finally see how his actions affect him.
There is entertaining banter, bad dad jokes and positive messaging for kids. I also loved how the story weaves in the teachings and customs of the Ojibwe tribe, and how the author included Anishinaabe words within the text. The love the author transmits throughout the book for his community is heartwarming. And we see Benny slowly coming to appreciate his heritage as the book progresses.
I think this one is great option for older middle grade readers (11 and up), but honestly even if older teens, this book is just great for anyone.
"The sign hanging above the door says THE BOOK BOX and looks like a book cover... On one side of the store is an old-looking church, and on the other side is a huge casino. I guess a quaint little bookstore is the perfect way to separate the saints from the sinners".
"...to put your trust in me is asking a lot, I get that. But isnt that the whole point of trust? If it was easy to give, it would be worthless".
"I used our ancestors' methods to help you. These animals became your audience. They became real and became part of your story. You've always had an audience, because your ancestors are always with you. Sometimes we forget that. These animals here were just to remind you that you're never alone".
"When we get someone on a mission to become the best versions of themselves, we are called Nenaadawi'. You dont have to be Ojibwe to want to take care of people, you just have to be human".
Full review:
http://alsanchezbooks.home.blog/2022/...
Last month we picked The Second chance of Benjamin Waterfalls by James Bird, sadly November and December were very busy, but I’m finally sharing our thoughts.
Her review:
This was a very interesting story. It’s a new perspective that I’ve never thought of before and it’s a different inna fun and relatable way. My favorite parts are qhen Benjamin and Niimi meet in the bookstore, when they interact for the first time, which js the start of their friendship; and towards the end, George opens up a but and is friendly towards Benny. Both parts are impacting and sweet, along with being a large step towards Bennys new future. This book is different and fun and truly shows the meaning of second chances.
My review:
This book deserves more hype. It is a wonderful coming of age story. A very troubled boy is learning that his actions have consequences. He is flawed and he does not immediately see that what her does is wrong. He frequently makes wrong choices. I like that he does not immediately change for the better, that it takes him time to finally see how his actions affect him.
There is entertaining banter, bad dad jokes and positive messaging for kids. I also loved how the story weaves in the teachings and customs of the Ojibwe tribe, and how the author included Anishinaabe words within the text. The love the author transmits throughout the book for his community is heartwarming. And we see Benny slowly coming to appreciate his heritage as the book progresses.
I think this one is great option for older middle grade readers (11 and up), but honestly even if older teens, this book is just great for anyone.
"The sign hanging above the door says THE BOOK BOX and looks like a book cover... On one side of the store is an old-looking church, and on the other side is a huge casino. I guess a quaint little bookstore is the perfect way to separate the saints from the sinners".
"...to put your trust in me is asking a lot, I get that. But isnt that the whole point of trust? If it was easy to give, it would be worthless".
"I used our ancestors' methods to help you. These animals became your audience. They became real and became part of your story. You've always had an audience, because your ancestors are always with you. Sometimes we forget that. These animals here were just to remind you that you're never alone".
"When we get someone on a mission to become the best versions of themselves, we are called Nenaadawi'. You dont have to be Ojibwe to want to take care of people, you just have to be human".
Full review:
http://alsanchezbooks.home.blog/2022/...
June 19, 2024
Probably more like 3.5 stars.
I did a combination of listen and read in print for this book, and I will say that the narrator definitely made Benjamin sound a bit whiny. Reading the book in print didn't portray that same whininess. That being said, I'm still kind of so-so about this book. I didn't love some of the language, and for most of the book I just didn't find Benjamin very likeable. Whether whiny or not, he just sounded like a brat. And the lines here and there about him supposedly looking out for his mom by adding money to her wallet or considering how something affected her didn't make me like him - they seemed like lines that were added by the author after the fact so we wouldn't hate him.
I did like the peeks at Ojibwe culture, and I found the other characters likeable for the most part. The imagery was great. I liked the overall message about not being able to change the past but deciding who you wanted to be, which part of you would "win." It was really just the character of Benjamin that I did not connect with at all. And, considering he's the main character, that made the book just "eh."
I did a combination of listen and read in print for this book, and I will say that the narrator definitely made Benjamin sound a bit whiny. Reading the book in print didn't portray that same whininess. That being said, I'm still kind of so-so about this book. I didn't love some of the language, and for most of the book I just didn't find Benjamin very likeable. Whether whiny or not, he just sounded like a brat. And the lines here and there about him supposedly looking out for his mom by adding money to her wallet or considering how something affected her didn't make me like him - they seemed like lines that were added by the author after the fact so we wouldn't hate him.
I did like the peeks at Ojibwe culture, and I found the other characters likeable for the most part. The imagery was great. I liked the overall message about not being able to change the past but deciding who you wanted to be, which part of you would "win." It was really just the character of Benjamin that I did not connect with at all. And, considering he's the main character, that made the book just "eh."
May 30, 2022
Benjamin Waterfalls likes to steal things and sell them to make money. After getting caught one too many times, the judge wants to send Benny to juvenile detention, but his mom offers an alternative solution: send him to his dad to a “boot camp” on the Ojibwe reservation where they used to live. Benny does not want to live with his father, whom he hasn’t seen for years, but he does not have a choice. The boot camp is nothing like he expected; his rehabilitation is led by a girl about his age who always wears a mask. Will Benny find the answers he needs to turn his life around?
I think middle grade readers will really enjoy this story of embracing our inner superhero. Each character in the book is lovable in their own unique way. The story had some funny parts and some difficult issues among the character growth. Christopher Salazar did a phenomenal job channeling Benny’s sarcasm. I would recommend this book to older elementary students, especially those who need to work on forgiveness.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
I think middle grade readers will really enjoy this story of embracing our inner superhero. Each character in the book is lovable in their own unique way. The story had some funny parts and some difficult issues among the character growth. Christopher Salazar did a phenomenal job channeling Benny’s sarcasm. I would recommend this book to older elementary students, especially those who need to work on forgiveness.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.
October 26, 2022
Benjamin Waterfalls is a young, indigenous man that is angry and steals to feel better and because he's good at it. He never thinks about who he might be hurting - the people he steals from, the shops that have to pay back what he took, how much he hurts his mother. When he goes to court, they decide to send him to "boot camp" with his father who left when he was 7 and is the reason why is so angry. Benjamin has to learn how to forgive and to heal from his father, whom he loved, leaving and starting a new family. The boot camp is not what he expected, because it is all about helping other people and learning to help himself. The look at Ojibwe cultural beliefs and language helps nail down the narrative and the characters, even the non-indigenous people Benjamin helps along the way. Having to learn not to steal, to seek forgiveness, and stop disappointing his mother are more key aspects of his theme. Touching, engrossing, and full of intricate characters, all of whom are working through their own struggles. Well worth the read.
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