This book was hard to read. Not because it was poorly written (it's very well written in fact). Not because it was boring and the story dragged (it's not an action thriller, but the story flows at the right speed, smoothly). This book is hard to read because it takes a hard, unapologetic look at reservation life through the eyes of a teenage boy. One who sees the pain and desperation and hopelessness of those surrounding him, of the hatred that is often faced outside the reservation and decides to take a stand. To try and fight the increasing suicides taking over his community.

Floyd, a Cree 17-year-old living on a Canadian reservation, is a hereditary Chief who will inherit the position from his father one day. There's been a rash of suicides, most recently five preteen girls involved in a suicide pact. No one on the reservation has any solutions. A sense of hopelessness and lack of direction pervades the youth. Floyd's father comes up with an ill-considered scheme to have a B movie shot on the rez as a quick infusion of cash. Floyd's objections are ignored because he's "just a child." The Moccasin Trail ending is emotional, and yes, I did shed a tear.

Floyd's 'voice' feels 100% authentic. The discussion of suicide is never heavy-handed. There are a couple of scenes between characters about bullying Native Americans for being different, and this is done pretty deftly. This would be a great addition to school libraries and counselors' book shelves.

A copy of this review can also be found at: Book Ink Reviews

*Trigger Warning: This book deals with suicides on a Native Reserve in Canada.Though the story itself is fictional, this is a true epidemic that must be discussed. However, due to the sensitive material, there are those that may be triggered by the content. If you find that you are, please text START to Crisis Textline at 747-747.

Whew. This was an incredibly fast-paced read. It was handled with compassion and grace for such an incredibly devastating topic.

Floyd has already lost one of his best friends to suicide. When the body is found is described briefly, and it is mentioned how Aaron kills himself. It only mentions how one other person in the book dies by suicide, and the rest are only mentioned as cause of death as a generalized suicide with no means attached.

Melanie Florence knows what she's doing when it comes to mimicking a teen mind. She is able to draw the full scope of how devastated Floyd is by his people dying around him while also discussing his hope and how he is no where near depression or substance abuse. Floyd is a strong character that is able to see where hope lies in his tribe and works desperately to do what he can to save them all. The rest of his friends are a bit two dimensional, except for Mouse. However, I still loved the group dynamic and it brought back comforting memories of The Outsiders.

I really appreciated this book, guys. It is so important for teens and adults to understand that it is a discussion to be had. In the book, there is a group of girls discussed. Their ages might surprise adults--and it shouldn't. More and more very young kids are attempting to kill themselves. And it is incredibly important that Florence included this bit in the book. I also work as a Crisis Counselor, and the topics reflected in this book are seen daily with the conversations I have with kids--the hopelessness, the feelings of wanting their families to be better off and that they'll be better off with them, the bullying, and the bright little spark that still wants to live.

Read this book for the sake of the kids around you. Read this book if you've never contemplation killing yourself, but know friends that have. Read this book. Just because it is focused on the epidemic of suicides on reservations does not mean it can't be applied elsewhere--this is a universal topic that Florence handled with dignity, grace, and hope.

Thank you to NetGalley, Melanie Florence, and James Lorimer & Co for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this book 3 stars for a few reasons. Pros: the themes surround current events that are not commonly talked about outside of indigenous communities. Cons: poor writing, underdeveloped characters, simplified relationships.

I would recommend this book to middle or elementary school readers. It's definitely a good opening into Native American reservations and their issues that the federal government needs to address.

This was an incredibly moving book about the hardships Indigenous people and the increasing amount of suicides happening on reservations. While the writing lacked flair, the author took great pains to spell out what is happening to our Native youth.

I read Rez Rebel by Melanie Florence in one seating and it was awesome, this is a really good book.! Short but very engaging. The characters and the story are realistic and believable. The plot is interesting enough to leave me wanting to know more about the characters & the story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This book was a revelation! It shed light on both the historical trauma and present day ramifications of white supremacy and genocide on Indigenous people, in a way youth can understand.