I don't know much about the Native Americans except for knowing that they have been persecuted for centuries. I was excited to get to read this book and review it. It is a very informative read with a lot of information but portrayed in a simplistic way making it perfect for children. It made my heart break for the Ojibwe people.
I would highly recommend reading

Ouch… I know the U.S. history of dealing with Indigenous people is disgusting and full of tragedy, but it’s still rough to read about it. I’m glad this exists because the Trail of Tears and displacement of Cherokee is widely taught while the experiences of the Ojibwe doesn’t get talked about in the same way. This is extremely accessible in terms of writing and the way the history is told, and so many of the details broke my heart because it added a human touch so it wasn’t like reading a dry historical event. The events at Sandy Lake impacted so many people, and the actions of the American government still have impacts on the experiences of the Ojibwe today. I’m so glad I had the chance to read this book.

Quick Summary: A Native American history resource for children

My Review: The Sandy Lake Tragedy: Following in the Footsteps of the Ojibwe by Emily Faith Johnson is a 2025 non-fiction release.

About the Book: "In 1850, 5,000 Ojibwe people were forced to make a dangerous journey across the Midwest to get treaty payments owed to them from the U. S. Government. But the payments never came, and the Ojibwe had to travel back home through treacherous winter conditions and without the money or supplies they had been promised. More than 400 Ojibwe lost their lives in this event that is now known as the Ojibwe Trail of Tears."

In My Own Words: A tragic and haunting history of a beautiful and proud people

My Final Say: America's history of progress in the wave of Manifest Destiny was not as squeaky clean as many historians would have us believe. What happened to the Ojibwe, sadly, tells the truth about the aggressive push to have Native Americans cede their land to a country that proclaims "one nation." The Ojibwe, like so many other people, were wrongly evicted from all that they had ever known. This non-fiction book exposes the unfortunate events associated with their story. This is merely one of many.

I appreciated the book's content. I loved the memorial aspect and its expression of celebrating those who were lost, those who stood strong, and those who fought the good and peaceful, yet necessary fight.

The resilience and courage of the Ojibwe, especially in the face of the great injustices against them, should never be forgotten.

I hope more books like this one can uncover the hidden histories of America's people. There are more stories that need to be told.

Other: The layout of the book was nice. It was simple and easy to follow. The pictures helped to tell the story and provide a reference of sorts. The inclusion of the glossary, timeline, bibliography, and internet sites should prove helpful to young, inquiring minds.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Grades 3-6
Status: Educational
Level: Elementary

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Capstone | Capstone Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own thoughts and opinions. I look forward to reading more content such as this. I am grateful for the opportunity.

During a deceptive displacement of hundreds of Ojibwe people, over 400 died during the forced relocation and subsequent return to their homelands. Informative and engaging, this book recounts what came to be known as the Sandy Lake Tragedy of 1850. I found this to be written in a way that's definitely accessible for young folks without watering the information down or being too overwhelming.

Too many stories of Indigenous life place them as 'relics of the past' instead of modern, living people, so I especially appreciate how the author chose not just to tell the tragedy of the past, but to also highlight the resilience of the Ojibwe people today and how they honor the ancestors they've lost. The mix of historical and current photos was great!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.