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About Swift Fox All Along
Product Description What does it mean to be Mi’kmaq? And if Swift Fox can’t find the answer, will she ever feel like part of her family? When Swift Fox’s father picks her up to go visit her aunties, uncles, and cousins, her belly is already full of butterflies. And when he tells her that today is the day that she’ll learn how to be Mi’kmaq, the butterflies grow even bigger. Though her father reassures her that Mi’kmaq is who she is from her eyes to her toes, Swift Fox doesn’t understand what that means. Her family welcomes her with smiles and hugs, but when it’s time to smudge and everyone else knows how, Swift Fox feels even more like she doesn’t belong. Then she meets her cousin Sully and realizes that she’s not the only one who’s unsure—and she may even be the one to teach him something about what being Mi’kmaq means. Based on the author’s own experience, with striking illustrations by Maya McKibbin, A Long Way to a New Place is a poignant story about identity and belonging that is at once personal and universally resonant. From School Library Journal K-Gr 3-A Mi'kmaq girl meets her Native family for the first time and finds a way to connect with her heritage to complete a traditional ritual. Swift Fox is nervous about meeting her father's relatives. Her father assures her that being Mi'kmaq is inside her, but when faced with new family and requested to smudge (complete a ritual) she panics and runs. When another hesitant new cousin arrives, she finds the courage to lead him inside, and they both smudge for the first time. The text is straightforward and child-oriented, capturing Swift Fox's voice and fears effectively. The illustrations use point of view to keep Swift Fox in the center of the story, and McKibbin captures her emotions perfectly. The slightly dark green and earth-toned color palette fit the story well. The lack of explanation of smudging or more details about being Mi'kmaq may lead those unfamiliar with the culture to seek additional resources. VERDICT This is a straightforward tale of a girl finding her way into a culture that is her heritage, yet new to her. As such, it works effectively. This may suit libraries in need of more modern Native picture books with child appeal.-Amy Lilien-Harper, Wilton Lib., CTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Review “A touching and universal narrative . . . This title should definitely be added to any list of recommended children’s books focused on indigenous life, family, tradition, feelings, anxiety, fear and self-regulation. Swift Fox All Along is also brimming with cross curricular applications for school use, including incorporation with science, social studies, history, language, and mental health. Highly Recommended.” ― CM Reviews, *starred review, 06/19/20 “A great opportunity for a discussion of culture—what it means and how we become part of one.” ― Library Matters, 06/24/20 “Highlights the importance of connections to culture and self.” ― Kirkus Reviews, 07/28/20 “This is a straightforward tale of a girl finding her way into a culture that is her heritage, yet new to her. As such, it works effectively. This may suit libraries in need of more modern Native picture books with child appeal.” ― School Library Journal, 08/20 “The story authentically depicts how a child might feel being introduced to a culture that they haven’t had the opportunity to participate in regularly.” ― The Horn Book, 11/20 “Celebrates learning more about who you are and being proud of your identity. Highly recommended for home, school and public libraries.” ― Canadian Children’s Book News, *starred review, Fall/20 “A powerful book about identity and family.” ― Waking Brain Cells, 10/12/20 “Both the message of living in a home with separation and pride in culture are important for children to see in stories today.” ― Youth Services Book Review, 10/29/20 “Earnest and heartfel
