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)

I got an ARC of this book.

I have only two critiques of this book

First, the book was a bit slow at times. It felt a lot like the author was bringing us through each and every day of finding no clues for a while. It did pick up after a while, but I struggled a few times to keep going. Once it picked up, it was a WILD ride. So it really balanced out in the end, but I almost didn’t make it.

Second, this book is not one I would classify as middle grade. The main character was in middle school, but the graphic nature of some of the scenes makes me hesitant that this is middle grade. There are graphic depicitions of animal abuse. Graphic enough they turned my stomach. I was not expecting it to be detailed. At first it was a shot in the hind leg dog, but then it was as graphic as a true crime podcast. The talk of Wren’s missing mom was also handled at times incredibly graphic. There was talk of “remains” which considering the statisticsis fair. My issue was the next detail: they couldn’t use dental records to ID the remains. Wren even states that she doesn’t want to think about what that means. That detail was graphic in a way that felt like it aged the story at least up to young adult. Would I stop a middle grade kid from reading this? No. I would offer to talk with them about what the book was about and support them through reading it. If I saw a parent reaching for it, I would warn them about the topics covered and give them other books that can support them talking things through with their kids.

There were multiple times I felt gut punched while reading this. One of the lines came at the end of the book and it amounted to the kid confessing the abuse and ended with “and I want it to stop”. I was not ready for that. There were so many lines from Wren that just made me have to put the book down and take a few breaths before I could continue. I ended up warning my wife about the book. They are like me, or more accurately, I am like them. I have to read all the new Indigenous books that come out. I read all the kids and they read all the non-fiction. I didn’t want them to have to experience some of the pain this book would cause them. They already have fears when they are traveling in Oklahoma as an openly two-spirit person. They have not talked about anyone they know who is missing, but I would be shocked if they didn’t have a list. The book does not touch on the two-spirit parts of the crisis. The book focuses on MMIWG, but the way I have been taught is MMIWG2S. I didn’t expect more two-spirit coverage, the book was devastating enough without that added level of gut punch.

Trigger warnings: missing parent, child abuse, animal cruelty, animal death, violence, anti-Indigenous racism, bullying

The story was powerful and necessary. It was just incredibly graphic. I highly suggest reading this with your middle grader instead of letting them read it alone.

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 have conflicting thoughts about this book. On the one hand, I love that this book engages middle grade readers with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit (MMIWG2S+) epidemic. Having Wren with a red hand over her mouth on the front cover makes a powerful statement. I loved Wren and her maternal grandmother, Elisi. Elisi stole the show! Her relationship with Wren was lovely. I liked how Wren found a friend in Brantley at a time when they both needed each other.

But I was also deeply uncomfortable (and not the helpful kind of discomfort) with the prominence and depiction of the police. Wren's white father is the Fort Gibson police chief, and except for one point when Wren was aggravated with her father's lack of forthcomingness around her mother's case, the narrator speaks about the police in mostly positive terms. The same goes for Child Protective Services. <spoiler>Take this quote from the uncorrected proof, for example: "Now that the chief of police, the principal, and CPS were involved—and Brantley was no longer afraid to speak up—Mr. Sims was much less likely to lose his temper." While this wraps up the child abuse storyline neatly, for a book that trusts kids to handle the sad realities of MMIWG2S+ epidemic, this feels too generous to CPS. If anything, CPS getting involved can make things worse for children involved. The narrator doesn't say that if Brantley's dad weren't white, he probably would have had his child taken away, even without the evidence CPS had on him.</spoiler>

Wren talks about possibly wanting to be a cop in the future, too, and that was unsettling to me. I recommend reading this article from the Yellowhead Institute (an Indigenous-led research and education center) for an overview on the inextricability between MMIWG2S+ and the failures of policing: https://yellowheadinstitute.org/2023/02/14/mmiwg2s-policing/

I don't think the bullying subplot with M.J. was necessary or added anything to the story. I wasn't satisfied with the resolution and didn't see it as "justice."

The book started off slow but picked up after around 40 percent (in my opinion). Then I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know who was hurting the animals!

I don't know if I'd recommend this book. But I'm curious to read whatever Ginger Reno writes next.

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!

Thank you, Netgalley, Ginger Reno and Holiday House Peach Tree Pixel Ink for the ebook. This story had me crying and so invested. It is a heartbreaking story of how a young girl is trying to live after her mom goes missing. The unfortunate truth and statistics of indigenous woman going missing is just heartbreaking. Although there was more to the story line that resonated the most. The other part of the story was also heartbreaking and had a mystery twist as well. A great read.

I have complicated feelings about this book. In terms of positives, I feel like it is a helpful introduction to the MMIWG2S+ epidemic and genocide for children and young adults who might not have been introduced to it before. I also thought that the case of Brantley’s brother and father showed how child abuse can start a cycle of abuse. I also thought that Wren was a well-developed character, though I’m a little weary that she might inspire kids to take on a “crime fighting” mentality and get in trouble in a way that she, protected by a cop dad, is largely shielded from.

My big problems with this book are that her dad is a cop and that is unsettling. The link between the MMIWG2S+ epidemic and the existence of the police is inextricable. I feel like the book could have depicted this in a more complicated way for the younger audience that this is geared towards a future without the police. It was especially grating when she has an internal monologue about maybe wanting to be a cop in the future.

This book doesn’t even touch on the possibility of restorative justice between Wren and her bully, M. J. Though this bully is egregiously and flagrantly racist, shoving her into the school discipline process that only produces harm and often serves as an entry to becoming incarcerated, is not the only solution and we must provide other ways of addressing harm for children. The way that Child Protective Services is called is also really challenging because the family separation process, something that Indigenous people in particular have had forced on them as a means of cultural genocide amongst other things, is horrible and I wish they had presented other solutions.

The abolition of the police is integral to Indigenous sovereignty.

Rating: 4.75/5

Find Her was a book that caught my eye immediately and I devoured the book in one sitting. A great middle-grade book for those who are quite not ready for the more mature A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series.

I have a soft spot for middle-grade books, and this one has made its way deep into my heart. While there were times the pacing felt off in the early pages of the book, once the action/main plot started to take place I was HOOKED. I loved Wren who really felt like she was both wise beyond her years at times but also still a twelve-year-old child. Elisi, was by far my favorite character! I loved the knowledge the character shared about Cherokee history, language, and cultural identity. I loved how everything came together throughout the book.

With all of the whirlwind of the main plot of finding who is causing animal abuse within their town in Oklahoma, Wren is also dealing with the disappearance of her mother and really highlights the importance of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls (MMIWG) movement and the need for awareness. The way that it was woven into the story was beautiful and heartbreaking.

I will note that readers should be aware of scenes of animal abuse, bullying, child abuse, and of course missing women.

Overall, this was a short but beautiful story that I believe everyone should read when they get a chance. Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this middle grade mystery novel. This follows Wren, a young girl, still determine to find her missing mother. She's been missing for more than five years and is only one of the hundreds of Native Americans that are considered missing or murdered in Oklahoma.
This book is fiction but with real life past and current events. This story is very important as it not only shows you how this could affect a young girl but also their family and community.
It's a powerful middle grade book, which I will definitely be picking a copy up for myself and kids in my life. More people need to be aware of MMIWG - Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls

The writing style was very digestible and story flowed well. The message was deep and beautiful. Would definitely recommend!

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.

FIND HER by Ginger Reno

Pub date: Oct. 15, 2024
Publisher: Holiday House
Rating: 4 / 5


When your heart knows something isn't right, what do you do to fix the problem?

Wren's mother has been missing for over 5 years. Wren knows her mom is out there somewhere, but it feels like everyone (including her police chief dad) gave up looking for her. It feels like her mom is just another statistic; another missing Indigenous woman. When multiple abused animals show up at the local shelter, Wren decides that she'll figure out who is responsible. If Wren can find out what happened to these animals, she may just prove that she can find her mom too.

FIND HER is a powerful debut that highlights the power of resilience and community. The story does not shy away from mature themes, though the issues are framed in a way that is appropriate and engaging for young readers. One of the best parts of the book is Wren's relationship with her maternal grandmother. Wren's grandmother keeps Wren connected to her Cherokee heritage and culture, and their relationship is a heartwarming representation of multigenerational family. Other significant themes and plotlines revolve around building unlikely friendships, confronting bullies, and learning to open up in times of need. While this may be a middle-grade novel, Wren's story will surely impact readers of all ages.


(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!)

This was a quick read with all the elements of a good mystery intertwined with indigenous culture, and an ending that will leave you wanting more. Wren was an engaging character with a strong sense of justice, who kept me wondering what she would do next.

I appreciated the cultural elements of this story. It brought up many important topics of racism, violence, and discrimination against indigenous girls and women.
Personally, I would have loved to see Wren and her grandmother engage with their culture more, and to see Wren's father make the effort to learn more about her culture as well.

Overall, this was quick and engaging read with a satisfying mystery that did not hold back on details or emotions, and reminded me of some of my favorite teen detective stories that first introduced me to the genre.

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

thank you to netgalley and holiday house for the ARC
сору.
i devoured this book. it is a middle grade friendly book discussing serious topics in an age appropriate way. find her follows wren, a girl whose indigenous cherokee mother has been missing. wren longs to solve the mystery and see her mom again.
the book is full of strong characters. wren, again, is a young girl with a knack for solving mysteries. she works at a local pet shelter and helps solve a string of animal deaths -the animal deaths may be a difficult thing to read for some readers.
elisi is her grandma with a way of creating the best foods and working with wren to keep the cherokee language alive and hope high with her mom. her dad is a local cop, who is working a different jurisdiction than the disappearance of his wife. i really enjoyed this read and how it tackles the massive failure society is serving to the missing indigenous population, while moving mountains to find white women.
a good read, highly recommend.

The book "Find Her" by Ginger Reno tackles the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in a way that is appropriate for younger readers. Unlike most books, "Find Her" delves into the emotions of families, the uncertainty surrounding the safe return of loved ones, and the importance of having a support system. It emphasizes the significance of having a support system during difficult times and suggests that people can be surprisingly helpful if given the chance. I highly recommend this book. It addresses important issues and reminds readers they are not alone in their experiences. This book highlights the importance of having a support system during struggles and assures readers that they are not alone in facing these challenges.

Thank you to Ginger Reno, Holiday House, and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book. Find Her goes on sale on October 15, 2024.

FIND HER by Ginger Reno is a gift to young readers to gently help them understand a reality of the lives of some contemporary Native people in the U.S. The mother of 12-year old Wren has been missing since Wren was a young child. Finding her mother is the focus of Wren’s life. Wren understands that people going missing is not uncommon in her Cherokee community, losses often not resolved by the police even with evidence of crime. Her father is a respected police chief, himself, who is also grieving. Wren discovers a skill in herself to find things. She’s good at finding neighbors' lost pets. She gets a “finder feeling” and she’s known as the “Finder of Lost Things”. Reno addresses Wren’s painful, long-lastiing grief for her mother and other very hard issues in the community such as bullying. She achieves this truth while also giving Wren a devoted grandmother and a father who love her. This will support young readers who will see Wren's loss and also the love that gives her strength as she searches for her mother. She knows herself. “She was wolf clan, a protector."

Terry Farish, author of GO HOME and THE GOOD BRAIDER
It is also reviewed on my blog about diverse cultures, Rabbit in the Moon
https://www.terryfarish.com/2024/08/find-her-by-ginger-reno-a-review/

The book "Find Her" by Ginger Reno addresses the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in a way that is suitable for younger readers. Most books avoid delving deeply into this topic at a younger age, but "Find Her" explores the emotions of families, the uncertainty surrounding the safe return of loved ones, and the importance of having a support system. It emphasizes the significance of having a support system during difficult times and suggests that people can be surprisingly helpful if given the chance. I highly recommend this book and believe that every Indigenous child should have the opportunity to read it. It addresses important issues and reminds readers that they are not alone in their experiences. This book highlights the importance of having a support system during struggles and assures readers that they are not alone in facing these challenges.

Find Her by Ginger Reno is an upper Middle Grade/Middle Years book about #MMIWG2S. Set in a small Oklahoma town and focusing on Cherokee culture, language and of course, a missing woman. 12 year old Wren lives with her father, and her maternal grandmother, all three of whom are grieving the loss of Wren's mother Raven, who disappeared years ago. Wren's father is White and Chief of Police in their town, she learns all about police investigations and crime just from visiting him at work. Her Grandmother, (known as Elisi, the Cherokee word for Grandmother) takes care of Wren when her Dad is on call or away on police business, she also teaches her the Cherokee language and many cultural traditions such as burning cedar and finding healing medicines in nature, as well as important lessons about racism towards their people, both throughout history and in present day. Wren's love of animals, her understanding of belonging to the Wolf Clan (protectors), and her natural investigation talents lead her on a mission to get to the bottom of a series of animal cruelty reports in her town. But can she solve the case without getting herself in danger?

This book covers such a range of important topics and does it in a way that is appropriate for a middle grade audience, a very difficult feat in my opinion! While MMIWG is mentioned throughout, the details are limited. As far as protests etc. the red paint on the face is mentioned (and featured on the cover) but the characters wear red bracelets. Some of the many other themes covered include: cultural appropriation, bullying, animal abuse, domestic violence (child abuse), racism, true friendship and grief. All of this is handled in a very careful and well thought-out way that is sensitive and generally appropriate for this grade group, especially if this were being used as a read aloud or shared reading experience. There is definitely content that could be triggering, particularly to more sensitive children, especially related to animals, or those who have experienced trauma, specifically child abuse. There is mention of a main character being abused by a parent, but the focus is mainly on seeing scars and encouraging the child to get help from another safe adult. I think it would be a great read aloud in Grades 5-10 but would recommend it for independent reading at grade 7 and up.

As for my thoughts around this as a class read aloud, I think some exposure to the topic of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women may be beneficial prior to starting the story, though it is not necessary as long as the reader can discuss it with an adult as questions arise. There is also a bit of discussion around how lighter skinned people going missing is seen as more of a concern, which I think is an important piece to this topic, but may need a bit of pre-teaching and discussion as it is not something I think many young people would already have been exposed to. Despite being set in Oklahoma, I would definitely read this in Canada. I might spend some time teaching about local Indigenous groups so that students understand that Cherokee people have their own unique culture.

I would 1000% recommend this book. Thanks so much to Netgalley, and the publisher, Holiday House, for giving me the chance to read and review it. Find Her is being published in October.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!

WOW!!! Just wow!! What a great book!! I couldn’t put it down!! Writing style is awesome! My first by this author and will not be my last!! Please check trigger warnings!

This is a story of loss, grief, and resilience. Wren’s mother has been missing for five years, but Wren hasn’t given up yet. She leans into her knack for being able to find lost things as she pursues her business of finding people’s lost pets. However, Wren comes across a bigger mystery when one of the pets turns up extremely hurt. We then follow Wren as she unravels the mystery while she deals with her grief and her journey to healing and growing up.

I had my doubts at the beginning, mostly due to the writing, but things steadied out as we got deeper into the story and into the characters’ stories and developments. This was written with the intention to raise awareness and explore the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls movement—which was why I was intrigued with this book in the first place. This is a good, powerful introduction to the movement, especially for young readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for the ARC! :>