Description

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction

The year is 1959, and fifteen-year-old Nipishish returns to his reserve in northern Quebec after being kicked out of residential school, where the principal tells him he''s a good-for-nothing who, like all Indians, can look forward to a life of drunkenness, prison and despair.

The reserve, however, offers nothing to Nipishish. He remembers little of his late mother and father. In fact, he seems to know less about himself than the people at the band office. He must try to rediscover the old ways, face the officials who find him a threat, and learn the truth about his father''s death.



Trade Review
[An] inspiring story by an authority on native affairs... * VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) *
[Michel Noel] has crafted a story of pain and triumph, with both universal appeal and cultural authenticity. Tanaka's accomplished translation introduces an award-winning Canadian author to an English-speaking audience, and all libraries should take note. * School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW *
Michel Noel...knows his craft...the text is extremely accessible. * Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW *

Good for Nothing

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    £10.99

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Sat 27 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Michel Noel, Shelley Tanaka

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      View other formats and editions of Good for Nothing by Michel Noel

      Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada
      Publication Date: 17/06/2004
      ISBN13: 9780888996169, 978-0888996169
      ISBN10: 0888996160

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Winner of the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction

      The year is 1959, and fifteen-year-old Nipishish returns to his reserve in northern Quebec after being kicked out of residential school, where the principal tells him he''s a good-for-nothing who, like all Indians, can look forward to a life of drunkenness, prison and despair.

      The reserve, however, offers nothing to Nipishish. He remembers little of his late mother and father. In fact, he seems to know less about himself than the people at the band office. He must try to rediscover the old ways, face the officials who find him a threat, and learn the truth about his father''s death.



      Trade Review
      [An] inspiring story by an authority on native affairs... * VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) *
      [Michel Noel] has crafted a story of pain and triumph, with both universal appeal and cultural authenticity. Tanaka's accomplished translation introduces an award-winning Canadian author to an English-speaking audience, and all libraries should take note. * School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW *
      Michel Noel...knows his craft...the text is extremely accessible. * Quill & Quire, STARRED REVIEW *

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