The Moth Dreamer
by Amy Lynn Farrell
Highwater Press, 2026
ISBN 9781774921616
$17.95, 265 pp, ages 12 – 15
highwaterpress.com
Dealing with the recent loss of her cousin, Aubrey struggles with navigating her regular teenage experiences. Envisioning her cousin’s death moments before the incident left Aubrey with the guilt that she could’ve prevented it, which weighs on her throughout the book. These visions star Aubrey’s loved ones and soon fuel her worry and confusion as she begins dreaming of a riddling Trickster. Aubrey can’t find peace at night or in daylight, as she deals with messy relationships, bullies, and family issues. Along with her personal monsters though, Aubrey soon comes face to face with a real one. With help from her kokum and her visions, Aubrey is able to defeat the creature and gain self-acceptance.
Classroom Connections: As many aspects of Anishinaabe culture are introduced in this novel, from beadwork to hunting, students could choose a tradition to explore further. Since many themes centre around finding peace, students can use their research to show how Anishinaabe practices can be useful in their own lives. Another interesting element of this book is Aubrey’s dreams, which could serve as a great discussion prompt about symbolism and Anishinaabe folklore, or how her dreams reflect her life and the psychology behind it. This book also deals with very heavy topics of racism, bullying, and self-harm, which can help spread awareness, along with examples of how these situations should be dealt with.
Review by Katherine West-Sells.
This review is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2026 issue.
