This book was hard to read. Not because it was poorly written (it's very well written in fact). Not because it was boring and the story dragged (it's not an action thriller, but the story flows at the right speed, smoothly). This book is hard to read because it takes a hard, unapologetic look at reservation life through the eyes of a teenage boy. One who sees the pain and desperation and hopelessness of those surrounding him, of the hatred that is often faced outside the reservation and decides to take a stand. To try and fight the increasing suicides taking over his community.

Floyd, a Cree 17-year-old living on a Canadian reservation, is a hereditary Chief who will inherit the position from his father one day. There's been a rash of suicides, most recently five preteen girls involved in a suicide pact. No one on the reservation has any solutions. A sense of hopelessness and lack of direction pervades the youth. Floyd's father comes up with an ill-considered scheme to have a B movie shot on the rez as a quick infusion of cash. Floyd's objections are ignored because he's "just a child." The Moccasin Trail ending is emotional, and yes, I did shed a tear.

Floyd's 'voice' feels 100% authentic. The discussion of suicide is never heavy-handed. There are a couple of scenes between characters about bullying Native Americans for being different, and this is done pretty deftly. This would be a great addition to school libraries and counselors' book shelves.

I gave this book 3 stars for a few reasons. Pros: the themes surround current events that are not commonly talked about outside of indigenous communities. Cons: poor writing, underdeveloped characters, simplified relationships.

I would recommend this book to middle or elementary school readers. It's definitely a good opening into Native American reservations and their issues that the federal government needs to address.

This was an incredibly moving book about the hardships Indigenous people and the increasing amount of suicides happening on reservations. While the writing lacked flair, the author took great pains to spell out what is happening to our Native youth.

I read Rez Rebel by Melanie Florence in one seating and it was awesome, this is a really good book.! Short but very engaging. The characters and the story are realistic and believable. The plot is interesting enough to leave me wanting to know more about the characters & the story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This book was a revelation! It shed light on both the historical trauma and present day ramifications of white supremacy and genocide on Indigenous people, in a way youth can understand.