Jennifer Dance is a Canadian author whose work is fueled by a deep commitment to justice and equality. Her experiences with racism have honed her sensitivity to the plight of others, driving her creative passion and focus. Dance masterfully weaves together her zeal for racial equality, environmental concerns, and agricultural background with a lifelong love of horses. Her narratives powerfully illuminate the injustices faced by indigenous peoples and the environmental catastrophes that result, demonstrating a profound connection between human and ecological struggles.
When a First Nations teen rescues a fish-hawk, he unknowingly enters a fight for survival. Diagnosed with leukemia, Adam, a cross-country runner, must battle for his life while reclaiming his identity as Hawk. With support from his grandfather and friends, he strives to protect his heritage and the land.
The narrative follows a black-and-white mustang, exploring the rich history of the Great Plains. It delves into the near extinction of buffalo and the impact on the Plains Indians, whose livelihoods were closely tied to these animals. Additionally, the story highlights the challenges faced by ranchers and homesteaders as they settled on lands once inhabited by Indigenous peoples, weaving together themes of survival, adaptation, and the complex interplay between nature and human development.
The narrative follows Red Wolf, a young First Nations boy who is compelled to adapt to life in a residential school, where he must assume a new identity. Alongside his journey, the story intertwines with that of Crooked Ear, an orphaned wolf pup. Both characters face the challenge of survival in a world dominated by white culture, highlighting themes of identity, resilience, and the connection between humans and nature.