I Can Make This Promise - by Christine Day (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

In her debut middle grade novel--inspired by her family's history--Christine Day tells the story of a girl who uncovers her family's secrets--and finds her own Native American identity.

All her life, Edie has known that her mom was adopted by a white couple. So, no matter how curious she might be about her Native American heritage, Edie is sure her family doesn't have any answers.

Until the day when she and her friends discover a box hidden in the attic--a box full of letters signed "Love, Edith," and photos of a woman who looks just like her.

Suddenly, Edie has a flurry of new questions about this woman who shares her name. Could she belong to the Native family that Edie never knew about? But if her mom and dad have kept this secret from her all her life, how can she trust them to tell her the truth now?

Review Quotes

★ "The novel is enlightening and a must-read for anyone interested in issues surrounding identity and adoption. Debut author Day (Upper Skagit) handles family separation in Native America with insight and grace." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Beyond the mystery, important themes resonate throughout, including cultural identity and what makes a friendship worth keeping. Day's affecting novel also considers historical truths about how Native Americans have been treated throughout U.S. history, particularly underlining family separations." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An incomparably vital story rendered with the tenderness of soft brushstrokes, Christine Day's debut is a powerful portrait of a twelve-year-old girl trying to unravel the mystery of her family's past. I Can Make This Promise manages to be both deeply sad and brightly hopeful, and Edie Green will steal readers' hearts with her empathy and curious spirit--she certainly stole mine." - Hayley Chewins, author of The Turnaway Girls

"I Can Make This Promise manages to be both deeply sad and brightly hopeful, and Edie Green will steal readers' hearts with her empathy and curious spirit--she certainly stole mine." - Hayley Chewins, author of The Turnaway Girls

"Day's novel brings an accessible, much-needed perspective about the very real consequences of Indigenous children being taken from their families and Native Nations. The absence of one's tribal community, loss of culture and lack of connection to relatives have ripple effects for generations." - Traci Sorell (Cherokee Nation), award-winning author of We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga

"A truly enticing, beautifully written story that delivers a historical reveal at just the right time." - Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (SLJ blog)

“A glorious novel about friendship, emerging identity, family secrets, and lost culture, Day's debut, while targeted at 8 to 12-year-olds at grade levels 3 to 7, will resonate with readers of all ages.” - BookTrib