Skraelings by R. & S. Qitsualik-Tinsley

• Published in: The Deakin Review of Children's Literature
• Main Author: Campbell, Sandy
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Alberta Libraries 2016
• Subjects: Arctic; Greenland; inuit; Iqaluit; Tuniit
• Online Access: http://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/deakinreview/article/view/27094; https://doi.org/10.20361/G2SC77

Qitsualik-Tinsley, Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley. Skraelings. Illus. Andrew Trabbold. Iqaluit, NU: Inhabit Media, 2014. Print.This volume is the first in the Arctic Moon Magick series. In it writing duo, Rachael and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, have recreated an Inuit world at the time of Viking contact, presented through the eyes of a young Inuit hunter, Kannujaq. In his travels, he comes across people of the Tuniit culture, of whom he has only heard legends. He meets Siku, a boy-shaman, whose name means “ice” and is named for his blue eyes. The Tuniit have been attacked in the past by Vikings from Greenland. They return each spring and Kannujaq finds himself in the middle of a battle, where he becomes a reluctant warrior. The title Skraelings, which means “Weaklings”, is a Viking taunt to the Tuniit.This is a well written chapter book for ages 12 and older and the language is age-appropriate. There are a few black and white drawings that complement the text. While much of the story proceeds logically along the plot line, occasionally, the authors break in, not as narrators, but simply to give the reader additional information. For example: "Oh, we forgot to tell you: Shamans were pretty clever when it came to the things that plants and other natural materials could do" (p. 26). While this is unusual in a novel and breaks the flow of the story, it is completely in keeping with oral storytelling and is rather endearing. However, this book should not be mistaken for simple story. It is an engaging read, culminating in a final plot twist that demonstrates the authors’ broad and compassionate understanding of the regional history of the Eastern Arctic. This is an excellent work and unique in young adult Arctic literature. It should definitely be included in junior high and middle school libraries and public libraries everywhere.Recommendation: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Sandy CampbellSandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give.