Chapters 1-10
Why was crossing the border a tense moment for Summer and her family?
The border officer stopped them and wouldn't allow them to cross the international border.
Why does Buffalo Dreamer say her name is also Mary?
Because her original Indigenous name was Buffalo Dreamer, but when she entered the residential school, her name was changed to a “whiter” name.
What does Kokom Rose say when Summer tells her about her dreams?
She tells her not to be afraid and to listen to them carefully. She thinks it might mean that she's reading to communicate with her ancestors.
Summer starts having vivid dreams after she arrives at the rez. What was her first dream about?
She dreams about a mysterious girl called Ann who is trying to escape somewhere.
Why did Summer and Autumn hesitate about asking Mosom about his experience in a residential school?
Because they were afraid to bring up painful memories.
Why does Summer think that the woman in the wheelchair at the march is Buffalo Dreamer from her dreams?
Because she recognizes her from the border crossing, and then discovers her name is Mary.
Why were there trucks and news vans in Mosom's residential school?
Because unmarked graves were discovered and are being investigated.
Why did Mosom learn about Cree traditions only when he was an adult?
Because he was sent to a residential school at the age of 6 and only reconnected with his culture after he was able to leave.
Why did Mary (or Buffalo Dreamer) have a blanket with an "A" sewn in it?
Because Mary was Ann's best friend at the residential school, and she kept her blanket after she mysteriously disappeared.
What happens when Summer meets Buffalo Dreamer for the first time?
She sees a giant buffalo that asks for her help to bring the children home.
What happens when Summer finally tells Autumn about her dreams?
Autumn offers help to investigate, and they decide to go to Kokom Rose's house in search of information.
What happened to Ann and Mary when they tried to escape the residential school?
Ann was caught and punished before she escaped. She was never seen again, and rumors say she died. Mary escaped and almost froze to death, but she was found by a dog and survived.
What do Summer and Autumn discover about residential schools when they talk to Mom and Aunty Crystal for the first time?
That they were places where Indigenous kids were sent to be separated from their families, origins, and cultures.
What do Autumn and Summer secretly hear at Kokom Rose's house?
They discover that 18 unmarked graves were found in a residential school, and that a march is being planned.
What changed in Summer and Autumn's lives after they discovered the whole truth about residential schools?
They connected more deeply with their origins, understood their stories, and developed a greater interest in getting closer to their culture.