Arnolda Dufour Bowes

This feels like 3 short novellas featuring Maggie Lou's adventures. I loved that no matter what happened, her family laughs about it -- they tease each other, they plead with Maggie to not hurt herself, and they make up a nickname to gently mock whoever has distinguished themselves in that moment's story. This is apparently the Metis way, and it's beautiful and funny. Maggie is a handful, a spitfire, an energetic and stubborn being that is practically vibrating with her creativity and fight and constant stream of ideas. I loved that she kept to her tutu, and stubbornly refused to quit even when her boxing instruction looks more like smelly housekeeping. I loved that this family has such a specific feeling about hunting and guns and addresses that with thoughtful instruction and respect. I loved that the message is that hard work and listening to your elders will eventually earn you the things you are looking for. Really great.

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