The marrow thieves

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Winner of the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award (Young People's Literature - Text)Winner of the 2017 Kirkus PrizeWinner of the 2018 Sunburst AwardWinner of the 2018 Amy Mathers Teen Book AwardWinner of the 2018 Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit and M?tis Young Adult LiteratureJust when you think you have nothing left to lose, they come for your dreams.Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, but now an even greater evil lurks. The Indigenous people of North America are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. In this dark world, Frenchie and his companions struggle to survive as they make their way up north to the old lands. For now, survival means staying hidden - but what they don't know is that one of them holds the secret to defeating the marrow thieves.

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Also in this Series

  • The marrow thieves (Marrow thieves novels Volume 1) Cover
  • Hunting by stars (Marrow thieves novels Volume 2) Cover

Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Though Killer of Enemies is faster-paced than the more character-driven Marrow Thieves, both of these compelling science fiction series star Indigenous teens fighting for survival in a dystopian world. -- Stephen Ashley
Featuring Indigenous citizens targeted for their rare ability to dream (Marrow Thieves) and appointed American reapers who possess the sole power to target and kill others (Scythe), these gripping series offer a dystopian reimagining of the United States. -- Basia Wilson
Though the protagonists of Hunger Games are forced to turn on one another and the heroes of Marrow Thieves cling together to survive, both bleak, character-driven dystopian series follow teens who fight against a totalitarian government bent on their destruction. -- Autumn Winters
Young people must fight for survival against government forces bent on harvesting parts of their bodies in these bleak, compelling dystopian series. Marrow Thieves is an own voices series focused on Indigenous teens. -- Stephen Ashley
Set in apocalyptic worlds ruined by climate change, these bleak science fiction series follow young people struggling against oppressive, murderous governments. Mechanists' cast is completely South Asian, while Marrow Thieves stars Indigenous Canadian teens. -- Stephen Ashley
Though Marrow Thieves is more lyrical than the more action-oriented Divergent Trilogy, readers looking for a bleak, dystopian series in which tough young people fight for survival in an unfeeling world should pick up both. -- Stephen Ashley
These series have the appeal factors bleak and multiple perspectives, and they have the themes "band of survivors," "climate change apocalypse," and "for the resistance"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; the subjects "post-apocalypse," "teenage boys," and "climate change"; and characters that are "complex characters."
These series have the appeal factors bleak, and they have the themes "band of survivors," "pandemic apocalypse," and "for the resistance"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse" and "dystopias."
These series have the genre "dystopian fiction"; the subjects "post-apocalypse," "first nations (canada)," and "indigenous teenagers"; and include the identity "indigenous."
These series have the appeal factors bleak, and they have the themes "band of survivors" and "pandemic apocalypse"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse" and "dystopias."
These series have the appeal factors bleak, and they have the themes "band of survivors" and "pandemic apocalypse"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse" and "dystopias."
These series have the appeal factors bleak, haunting, and lyrical, and they have the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse" and "dystopias."
These series have the appeal factors bleak, and they have the themes "band of survivors" and "climate change apocalypse"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse," "teenage boys," and "survival (after environmental catastrophe)."
These series have the appeal factors bleak, and they have the theme "band of survivors"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse," "teenage orphans," and "parent-separated teenagers."
These series have the theme "band of survivors"; the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse," "teenage boys," and "teenage orphans."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
NoveList recommends "Divergent trilogy" for fans of "Marrow thieves novels". Check out the first book in the series.
In each Canadian apocalyptic adventure, Indigenous characters are on the run from those who would like to harvest them for powerful substances they carry in their bodies (dream-inducing bone marrow in Thieves; blood that holds antibodies against plague in Shadows). -- Lindsey Dunn
These bleak, apocalyptic works of science fiction tell the compelling stories of bands of survivors navigating a climate change apocalypse. Marrow Thieves features Indigenous teens on a future Earth, while the characters in Alone travel through space. -- Helen Sharma
Both captivating post-apocalyptic tales star brave, resilient Indigenous characters, although Killer of Enemies (the first in a series) offers explosive action while The Marrow Thieves is a thoughtful, atmospheric standalone. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
NoveList recommends "Hunger Games" for fans of "Marrow thieves novels". Check out the first book in the series.
The protagonists of these character-driven apocalyptic stories face unique situations, challenging cult beliefs in Agnes and fleeing from a government trying to harvest the bone marrow of Indigenous peoples in Thieves. Both tell the coming-of-age stories of complex leads. -- Yaika Sabat
In a post-apocalyptic North America where climate change, disease, and government oppression has created sharply divided societies, determined characters band together to survive. Both books will grab science fiction fans looking for diverse characters and disturbing near-future settings. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
NoveList recommends "Unwind dystology" for fans of "Marrow thieves novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Mechanists" for fans of "Marrow thieves novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Arc of a scythe" for fans of "Marrow thieves novels". Check out the first book in the series.
Despite differing tones, these disturbing apocalyptic stories both imagine near-future worlds in which the climate change and institutional racism of today lead to even more terrifying dystopias. The determined teen survivors in both resist societies that treat them as commodities. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
Both of these compelling, own voices series openers have Indigenous leads who contend with the threat of violence at the federal level (Marrow Thieves) and at the hands of a hate group (Two Worlds). -- Basia Wilson

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Canadian novelists Cherie Dimaline and Waubgeshig Rice write similarly haunting stories that feature First Nations characters who run up against challenges, some catastrophic and others more down to earth. Both authors are known for their believable protagonists, elegant writing, and atmospheric settings. -- Catherine Coles
Both authors write complex and character-driven speculative fiction for older kids, teens, and adults that explore real issues through bleak dystopian futures and magical settings. -- CJ Connor
Canadian novelists Cherie Dimaline and Drew Hayden Taylor write fiction for adults and teens across several genres. Their stories feature complex, well-developed characters and are steeped in Indigenous culture and tradition, sometimes tackling real-life issues and other times veering into more mystical territory. -- Catherine Coles
These authors' works have the subjects "first nations (canada)," "me´tis (north american people)," and "indigenous teenagers"; and include the identity "indigenous."
These authors' works have the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse," "indigenous peoples of north america," and "missing men."
These authors' works have the appeal factors bleak and haunting, and they have the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse," "dreams," and "dystopias."
These authors' works have the appeal factors lyrical, and they have the genres "apocalyptic fiction" and "literary fiction"; and the subjects "werewolves," "witches," and "shapeshifting."
These authors' works have the subjects "first nations (canada)," "me´tis (north american people)," and "indigenous peoples of north america."
These authors' works have the genres "urban fantasy" and "paranormal romances"; and the subjects "witches," "magic spells," and "pirates."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Sixteen-year-old Frances Frenchie Dusome, one of a dwindling number of Métis, and his found family try to survive on the run from the Recruiters, whites who are capturing First Nations members to harvest their bone marrow and sell it as a remedy for the lost ability to dream. This dystopian novel is rich in atmosphere and texture, from the measured cadence that suggests the rhythms of ritual storytelling, to slang that situates it in a postapocalyptic North America, to the spare yet evocative descriptions of the effects of power and carelessness on the environment. It is a story told by an insider, for insiders, but done so well that even those on the outside gain some degree of understanding by reading it. Dimaline never depends on theatrics or gore to expose the callous and horrific problem at the root of her plot; rather, her details convey the matter-of-fact nature of cruelty, and her characters express the consequences. A subtext to the plot casts a spotlight on the effects of co-opting bits and pieces of a culture without fully understanding how they fit into a seamless whole: How long can we borrow or steal from others without losing ourselves in the process? Put this book, written by a Canadian First Nations author, in your library, and make it known.--Welch, Cindy Copyright 2018 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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School Library Journal Review

Gr 8 Up-In a dystopian future, a young Métis boy, Frenchie, comes of age while fleeing capture. Along with a group of Indigenous young people and their leader, Miig, they resist the constant threat of being harvested for their dream-carrying bone marrow. Growing up on the run, Frenchie learns how to hunt, trap, and keep moving north to survive, but climate change has caused chaos and collapse around the world. The group must escape the Recruiters, who cause loved ones to disappear forever, and adapt to harsh conditions. Through "Story," told by Miig, the protagonist learns about history, his culture, and how precious they both are in a society that seeks to process his people like cattle. Fans of Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien and The Chrysalids by John Wyndham will enjoy this character-driven work of science fiction. Like those authors, Dimaline writes elegant prose that grabs the reader and carries them into this dark and passionate world. The author has created a rich work of postapocalyptic fiction without the dense exposition often found in the genre. VERDICT A riveting science fiction novel that is a must-buy for any library seeking to expand their teen collections.-Meaghan Nichols, Archaeological Research Associates, Ont. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

In an apocalyptic future Canada, Indigenous people have been forced to live on the run to avoid capture by the Recruiters, government military agents who kidnap Indians and confine them to facilities called "schools." Orphan Frenchie (Mtis) is rescued from the Recruiters by Miigwans (Anishnaabe) along with a small band of other Indians from different nations, most young and each with a tragic story. Miigwans leads the group north to find others, holding on to the belief of safety in numbers. Five years later, Frenchie is now 16, and the bonded travelers have protected one another, strengthened by their loyalty and will to persevere as a people. They must stay forever on alert, just a breath away from capture by the Recruiters or by other Indians who act as their agents. Miigwans reveals that the government has been kidnapping Indians to extract their bone marrow, scientists believing that the key to restoring dreaming to white people is found within their DNA. Frenchie later learns that the truth is even more horrifying. The landscape of North America has been completely altered by climate change, rising oceans having eliminated coastlines and the Great Lakes having been destroyed by pollution and busted oil pipelines. Though the presence of the women in the story is downplayed, Miigwans is a true hero; in him Dimaline creates a character of tremendous emotional depth and tenderness, connecting readers with the complexity and compassion of Indigenous people. A dystopian world that is all too real and that has much to say about our own. (Science fiction. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Sixteen-year-old Frances "Frenchie" Dusome, one of a dwindling number of Métis, and his "found" family try to survive on the run from the Recruiters, whites who are capturing First Nations members to harvest their bone marrow and sell it as a remedy for the lost ability to dream. This dystopian novel is rich in atmosphere and texture, from the measured cadence that suggests the rhythms of ritual storytelling, to slang that situates it in a postapocalyptic North America, to the spare yet evocative descriptions of the effects of power and carelessness on the environment. It is a story told by an insider, for insiders, but done so well that even those on the outside gain some degree of understanding by reading it. Dimaline never depends on theatrics or gore to expose the callous and horrific problem at the root of her plot; rather, her details convey the matter-of-fact nature of cruelty, and her characters express the consequences. A subtext to the plot casts a spotlight on the effects of co-opting bits and pieces of a culture without fully understanding how they fit into a seamless whole: How long can we borrow or steal from others without losing ourselves in the process? Put this book, written by a Canadian First Nations author, in your library, and make it known. Grades 8-11. Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2018 Booklist Reviews.
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 8 Up—In a dystopian future, a young Métis boy, Frenchie, comes of age while fleeing capture. Along with a group of Indigenous young people and their leader, Miig, they resist the constant threat of being harvested for their dream-carrying bone marrow. Growing up on the run, Frenchie learns how to hunt, trap, and keep moving north to survive, but climate change has caused chaos and collapse around the world. The group must escape the Recruiters, who cause loved ones to disappear forever, and adapt to harsh conditions. Through "Story," told by Miig, the protagonist learns about history, his culture, and how precious they both are in a society that seeks to process his people like cattle. Fans of Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien and The Chrysalids by John Wyndham will enjoy this character-driven work of science fiction. Like those authors, Dimaline writes elegant prose that grabs the reader and carries them into this dark and passionate world. The author has created a rich work of postapocalyptic fiction without the dense exposition often found in the genre. VERDICT A riveting science fiction novel that is a must-buy for any library seeking to expand their teen collections.—Meaghan Nichols, Archaeological Research Associates, Ont.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.
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