RED RIVER ROSE

Unfolding against the backdrop of the sweeping prairies of present-day Saskatchewan, the latest from Lindstrom (Anishinaabe/Métis) is a courageous tale exploring pivotal moments in Métis history.

Inspired by the events of the North-West Resistance of 1885, this stand-alone middle-grade novel continues the story of Rose, the free-spirited Métis girl from Lindstrom’s 2025 picture book, The Gift of the Great Buffalo. Twelve-year-old Rose is growing up in a small community near the South Saskatchewan River. She enjoys exploring the outdoors—rich in beauty and natural resources—with her best friend, Ambroise. She also longs to go moose hunting with her father and favorite uncle, Monook, something Ma considers too dangerous. When her dream comes true, it leads Rose to realize that bravery isn’t always about physical strength. This story honors the resistance of the Métis and First Nations people, who fought to protect their land, rights, and ways of life as the Canadian government expanded westward. When the government responds with force to a petition for Métis land rights, Rose’s world shifts. Many adults, Pa and Ma included, experienced dislocation following the Red River Resistance in Manitoba, and fear spreads as families flee for safety. The emotional stakes are high, and Rose’s journey is one of inner growth, emphasizing courage, resilience, and the power of identity in uncertain times. The vivid worldbuilding and lyrical yet accessible prose immerse readers in this novel, which is grounded in events from the author’s family history.

Clear and compelling.