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.

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! :>

This book was a heart warming read, was never bored at any point.
It was interesting to read a murder mystery about animals instead of people, I'm glad animal abuse was bought up.
Would love a second book for some questions left unanswered, but at the same time it made me like the book more.
When I first got into the book, I thought it was gonna have a deeper focus on Wren's missing mother, but in a way it turned out better.

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for an advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wren is 12 years old, and her mother has been missing for five years. Part of the Cherokee Nation while also daughter to a white cop dad, she's got some complicated feelings. When animals start showing up harmed, she knows she has to investigate before things go further. But who's going to trust a twelve year old with a serious investigation?

Wren is a bold and determined kid, and I loved her as a main character. This story talks about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) movement while still talking about everything else in Wren's life. It's an accessible middle grade read and I definitely recommend.

CW: animal abuse and death, child abuse, missing woman

As soon as I saw the cover, I wanted to read this book.The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is a movement that needs more attention. This book follows Wren as she and her family are in the purgatory of waiting and wondering what happened to her mother. She also meets a new friend through a school project which takes them on a very unexpected journey to solve a mystery that will rock the city to its core. This book would be best for 9th grade and higher due to mentions of abuse and death(human and animal).

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in October. This beautiful book is a must read. I was near sobbing at some of it. Absolutely love it. It deals with a lot of important, heavy themes, the red chord through it all being MMIW2S, and the disappearance of the main characters mother.

I quite enjoyed this story of a young girl who is obsessed with finding things and her quest to find her mother. The characters were well written and loveable, there was mystery and intrigue but mostly there was a whole lot of heart.

The inclusion of Indigenous characters and the way that Cherokee culture was woven into the story made for an interesting read. The epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, not only in America but globally, is horrifying and hopefully this book brings it front of mind to those who read it.

Thanks to #NetGallery and publisher for a copy of this book.

Genre: YA
Format: Digital
POV: Single

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This was.a quick and engaging story for upper middle grade readers. It gives off a YA vibe without being too heavy content-wise for a middle grade reader.

I really, really liked this book. Positives include the age group for which it's targeted: 10-13 or so. It's a missing story for that reading group and makes a great addition.

Wren's heart is in the right place, as she starts by helping missing and injured pets. She makes a friend (she struggled after her mom went missing). The most important theme -- Native American women considered missing or murdered in Oklahoma -- is present throughout the text. There is positive family messaging.

There is mystery and messages of healing and truth.

This read is a captivating journey of love, loss, and determination. In the heart of Cherokee Nation, where the whispers of ancient spirits blend with the rustling leaves, Wren embarks on a quest that transcends time and space. Ginger Reno's poignant novel, "Find Her," weaves together the threads of family bonds, mystery, and resilience, leaving readers spellbound.

Five years, three months, and twelve days. That’s how long Wren’s mother has been missing. She’s one of over five hundred Native Americans missing in Oklahoma alone. In dreams, Wren can see her again: her eyes, her hair, her smile. She can even hear her laugh. But reality is harsh. Her mother is one of the countless Indigenous women who have vanished without a trace. Wren refuses to give up, though. An opportunity to find lost pets seems like a real way to hone her detective skills. But everything changes when one of the missing pets is found badly hurt. Soon, there are others. With help from an unlikely friend, Wren vows to unmask whoever is behind the animal abuse. If she can do this, maybe she can do the same for her mother’s case. She’ll just have to keep it secret from her father, who will certainly put an end to all her sleuthing if he finds out.

Reno's writing is like a gentle breeze that carries the scent of pine and the echoes of ancient stories. Her descriptions evoke the Oklahoma landscape, from the rolling hills, the whispering pines, to the hidden secrets. As readers, we feel the weight of Wren's longing, her determination, and her love for her missing mother. Reno's portrayal of Wren, a sensitive young Cherokee girl, is both authentic and powerful. Through Wren's eyes, we witness the frustration and anger felt by families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The novel sheds light on a national crisis while honouring the resilience of Indigenous communities.

The town mystery adds layers of intrigue. As Wren investigates the animal abuse cases, she uncovers secrets that intertwine with her mother's disappearance. Reno masterfully keeps us guessing, revealing clues at just the right moments. Wren's journey isn't just about solving mysteries; it's about healing. Her friendship with an unlikely ally provides solace, and the novel beautifully captures the complexities of family bonds. Reno reminds us that hope can bloom even in the darkest corners. "Find Her" isn't just a novel; it's a call to action. Reno's sensitive portrayal of the MMIW crisis urges us to pay attention, to seek justice, and to honour the missing. Through Wren's caring heart, we feel the urgency of this cause.

A powerful addition to the middle-grade mystery genre, “Find Her" is a compelling novel written with grace and beauty. Reno's gift lies not only in storytelling but also in raising awareness. As we turn the pages, we become part of Wren's quest… to find her mother, protect her community, and heal her heart. This book is a treasure. It’s a beacon of hope in a world that often forgets its missing souls.

Thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*Contains Spoilers*
At first, I wasn't really sold on this book. I thought Wren was a whiney girl and I was annoyed with some of her behaviors. She shut herself off from the world at 7 years old because her mom went missing and at 12 years old still did not have any friends and was extremely angry at her dad for not finding her mom. As a result of this anger, she lies to her dad A LOT. As a mom, I don't love having my kids read books that make lying to your parents look okay. Wren came clean about a lot of the things she did wrong in the book but lying to her dad was not one of them. She decided that she needed to continue lying to him even though their relationship does improve. I really loved Wren's character arc. She learns and grows so much in this story and I really enjoyed watching her turn from the whiney, annoying girl into someone who didn't only think of herself and someone who could see the good around her and have gratitude even when she was going through hard things. With some of the content in this book (animal abuse/mutilation, child abuse, lying to parents, etc.) I would suggest this book to my own children when they were 16 or older.

Dnf at 50%. This is by no means a bad book. It's a me thing. In my current mental state, it's a little triggering. I've been trying to get through it for the past week and I'm struggling. I do think this is an incredibly impactful book that is needed not just for young readers but for all ages. My heart ached for Wren. I couldn't possibly imagine going through what she is. Elsi is such a wonderful character who I just adored.