Must Read This One Too!

Winter of Fire by Sherryl Jordan: A fabulous teen/young adult novel dealing with racial discrimination, and indoctrination, in a futuristic setting.

In a smoky, hazy, sunless world, there are two classes of people: The Quelled and the Chosen. The Chosen live privileged lives, while the Quelled, who are branded, are treated as slaves that must mine for the firestones which keep the homes of the Chosen heated. The lowest of the low are the female Quelled. This is a story of a young Quelled woman who challenges the existing ways of life. She breaks all conventional rules when she is chosen to become the Handmaiden to the Fire Lord. Her investigation into the history of her people reveals teachings and methods of indoctrination that were meant to keep her people in slavery. She discovers that she has the power to divine for the firestones and eventually rises in power, taking her position as society’s new Fire Lord.

The story parallels the injustices made toward the African American peoples. This is an excellent book to use as a springboard into discussions on racial discrimination. My daughters and I loved this book! One of our favourites.