Common Sense Media Review
By Kya Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Indigenous girl bravely defends her home in historical tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In RED RIVER ROSE, Rose's family and the rest of the Métis people have inhabited their land for generations. Rose spends her days exploring her homeland with her little sister Delia and her best friend Ambroise and jumps at any chance for adventure she can. However, when an unexpected visitor suddenly arrives in town, her parents start to behave oddly. Rose soon learns about the "Resistance" and the Canadian government's plan to force her family and community from their homes again. Rose jumps into action and finds ways to join the fight to protect her home and community from displacement.
Is It Any Good?
This inspiring book shows that during times of civil unrest, kids have the power to make a difference. Red River Rose puts a heartwarming spin on a moment of grave injustice in indigenous history. Through Rose, our precocious heroine, author Carole Lindstrom tells the tale of the resilience of the Métis nation, inspiring any reader to stand up for their beliefs. Lindstrom masterfully weaves Métis language and culture throughout the story to help anchor readers into Rose's world and amplify the beauty of her Indigenous heritage, making it clear why she springs into action with no hesitation. While this book doesn't depict the entire rebellion in explicit detail, it captures the spirit of a people willing to fight to protect their way of life in a way that would make any reader rally behind Rose and root for her to be victorious.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage in Red River Rose. When Rose learns about the resistance, she boldly jumps into action so her family won't lose their home again. Share an example of when you fought for something you believed in. What was the outcome?
Despite their strained relationship, Rose shows compassion to Melanie, her nemesis, when she invites her to stay in the camp with the rest of the Métis nation. When have you helped someone you don't get along with because you knew it was the right thing to do?
Rose devises a plan to slow down the Northcote steamship and give the Métis men an advantage, so she enlists Ambroise and Melanie to help her carry out her plan against the Canadian troops. How has teamwork allowed you to achieve a seemingly lofty goal?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Activism ( Racial justice ) , Family Stories ( Dads , Moms , Siblings ) , Friendship , History ( War: Other )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury Children's Books
- Publication date : March 17, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 11
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 24, 2026
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