Metis Spirits.

Shelbey Krahn is a teacher-librarian and manages the School of Education's Curriculum Resource Centre at Laurentian University.

This collection of six short stories explores areas of cultural identity for Metis young people. Learning about fiddle music, travelling by Red River cart, hunting buffalo, jig dancing, wilderness survival, pemmican, and voyageur activities all become sources of cultural pride for different characters. The stories are linked by the theme of Metis spirits, often ancestors, being present as guides on the path to cultural awareness and pride.

The author has achieved an impressive balance between suspense, curiosity, and educational detail. The stories are varied in topic and in plot. Four out of six stories centre on two male protagonists, which gives off a mild formulaic odour. There is only one female protagonist.

Children will enjoy reading this book, and elementary school teachers should include is in their Canadian history and multicultural studies units. Highly recommended.