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Books

Cady Whirlwind Thunder Mysteries

Book Two: Cady and the Birchbark Box

In Cady and the Birchbark Box, Cady Whirlwind Thunder solves the mystery behind a weathered journal found inside an old birchbark box. Why was the box buried behind a deserted garage? This is the question her friend and "crush," John Ray Chicaug, asks Cady after the two of them find it. And what meaning do the notes in the book have? Cady's grandma and her ever-present companion, a noisy blue jay, encourage her as she puts together the pieces and ultimately restores the reputation of a deceased elder. Cady does all this while navigating through another school year, earning a place on the school's soccer team and continuing to calm her temper and adjust to life with a new stepmother and baby brother.

PRAISE FOR CADY AND THE BIRCHBARK BOX:

"I love Cady and the Birchbark Box. I read it with my daughter, who is very interested in Native American culture. The book is a fun adventure, sprinkled with history and culture. It is a great book for kids and adults alike. Great read!" -- August Brill, M.S., bilingual teacher, Chicago Public Schools

"This well-crafted, beautiful novel immerses readers in the elegance of Native American culture as it delivers an emotional, intriguing mystery that readers from middle grade through adults will enjoy. Highly recommended!" -- Christine DeSmet, author of Fudge Shop Mystery Series

"Ann Dallman's writing is a teacher's dream come true. Cady is a character students can relate to and learn from. While Cady is learning about her Native American culture and traditions, readers become immersed in a culture they may not have knowledge of." -- Gina Zanon, 5th-grade teacher, Menominee, MI

Cady and the Birchbark Box is the winner of the Historical Society of Michigan State History Award.

Book One: Cady and the Bear Necklace

Cady, a 13-year-old girl of Native American heritage, is attending a reservation school for the first time in her life. One day Cady finds an eagle feather on the hallway floor and reports it to the principal. He cautions her that a mystery might soon appear in her life. Not long after Cady discovers an antique Indian beaded necklace hidden in her closet. Why has she found it? The elders tell her it is her task to find out why. Her new friends: Irish, John Ray, and a talking blue jay help to guide her as she balances between two worlds.

IN THE NEWS:

Eagle Herald, June 15, 2019: Local Author Publishes First Novel

UPPAA, September 9, 2019: Ann Dallman Release New Book about Young Native American Girl

April 2022: Cady and the Bear Necklace is featured in "Writing Children's Books for Dummies" (3rd edition)

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Cady and the Bear Necklace is the winner of the 2020 New Mexico-Arizona Book Award: Multicultural Category, The Midwest Book Award, and the Historical Society of Michigan State History Award, and has also been honored as a finalist by the Next Generation Indie Book Award.

PRAISE FOR CADY AND THE BEAR NECKLACE:

"...a passionate look at Native American culture and how it affects a young girl as she grows from a child to a young woman." - 5-Star Review from Readers' Favorite (Read FULL REVIEW)

"...a compelling, character-driven novel with a rich cultural background and a positive message for everyone. - from "Superior Read: Novel for Youth Entertains, Educates" Marquette Monthly

(Read FULL REVIEW)

"A Book Birthday Blog with Author Ann Dallman" - The Mitten, The Blog of The Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, Michigan Chapter (Read FULL POST)

"I’d like readers to learn more about the native culture and history of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and of its residents." - Interview on the Middle-Grade Mojo website (Read FULL INTERVIEW)

“…and the reader lucky enough to open this book, into a fascinating deep dive into Native American culture and a perplexing mystery. The author taught for 15 years at the Hannahville Indian School in the U.P. and wrote this book for her students. The novel has won awards from the Midwest Independent Publishing Association and the Historical Society of Michigan to name only two. And oh yes, this is a YA novel, but I defy anyone of any age to read a few pages and not become totally absorbed in Cady's life.” - Tom Powers, Michigan in Books blog/May 2021 edition

"5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for kids! As the Director of the Crystal Falls District Community Library, I highly recommend this book! It has mystery and adventure, with a hint of romance. I have bought this book for gifts, and it is just great. Ann Dallman can really write a tale for tween children that speaks to them on their level. Don't overthink it. Just put this in your cart now and buy it!" - Crystal Falls District Community Library

The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association presents Ann Dallman and her novel, Cady and the Bear Necklace.

A short video of Ann reading from
Cady and the Bear Necklace.

Sam English: The Life, Work, and Times of an Artist

The book features more than 85 reproductions of this premiere artist’s poster prints. The book focuses on Sam’s art and artwork, spanning his 30-year career, as well as his work in the recovery movement.

AWARDS