Red Dove, Run Through the Fire

by Sonia Antaki

Genre: Middle Grade / Historical Fiction

ISBN: 978-1639886517

Print Length: 200 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Compassion is the ultimate superpower. Run Through the Fire teaches the lesson that to be a person who gets heard, you must be a person who listens. 

“That story was hers alone, as powerful as any weapon she could ever possess.”

“Red Dove, Run Through the Fire” by Sonia Antaki is a middle-grade historical novel that beautifully highlights the real power of storytelling. As the final installment in the Red Dove Trilogy, this book brings an energetic, heartfelt, and honest conclusion to the series, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

“Because I’m half white, Grandfather called me Iyeshka – a traveler between worlds – but will I ever get to do what I want: bring those worlds together?”

The protagonist, Red Dove, symbolizes truth and innocence. Half Lakota Sioux and half white, she yearns to bridge the gap between her two worlds and dispel the misconceptions surrounding her history and culture. A chance arises for her to share her story on a stage in New York during a variety show. However, obstacles are thrown her way as Mr. Henderson, the stage owner, resists her desire to shed light on the abuse Native American children face in boarding schools and the truth of the Massacre of Wounded Knee. Instead, he insists she perform a poem written by a white man.

To make matters more complicated, Sister Agatha, the cruel nun who once mistreated Red Dove and her peers at the boarding school, resurfaces, seeking Red Dove’s help in unraveling a long-held lie. Sharing her story and conveying the truth will require more than mere words. Red Dove must find a way to open the ears of those who refuse to listen.

“I’ve seen death before, but this is different. This is someone I wanted to love, but couldn’t, someone I wanted to know, but didn’t…and now it might be too late.”

Red Dove possesses a special power passed down by her grandfather. With the pouch he gave her, she can read the minds of those around her and discern what they need to hear in order to accept the truth. What sets Red Dove apart as a great role model for younger audiences is her unwavering compassion. She shows sympathy for her dying father who abandoned her, extends understanding to Sister Agatha despite the past cruelty, and strives to teach the hecklers at the performance, even when they don’t deserve her patience.

Ultimately, Red Dove’s power lies in her ability to listen attentively and understand others’ perspectives. Her strength as a hero for young readers stems not only from her pursuit of truth but also from her skill in conveying it in a way that resonates with each listener’s personal experiences.

“If you want them to listen to you,

“Then you must listen to them—

“To their thoughts and feelings,

“So you will know

“What it is that they

“Need to hear.”

Sonia Antaki’s storytelling captivates and engages audiences, fueling excitement and curiosity. The book’s pacing keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, hungry to uncover what happens next. Questions arise: Why has Sister Agatha reappeared in Red Dove’s life? Will Red Dove finally have the chance to share her story with a large audience? Will she find her way back to her family? Although this was the first book in the trilogy I read, I commend Antaki for crafting a captivating continuation of a larger narrative that could easily stand alone. While it took a moment to grasp the characters introduced in previous books, I quickly caught up and became immersed in the story.

“Nothing is impossible dearie. The universe is infinite, after all. And if it’s infinite then infinity exists, and if infinity exists then everything exists – so anything is possible.”

“Red Dove, Run Through the Fire” is a captivating novel that showcases the transformative power of a 14-year-old girl’s determination. It seamlessly incorporates real-life figures like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, as well as historical events such as the Massacre of Wounded Knee, effectively piquing the interest of young readers in history. This book serves as both an enjoyable read and an insightful exploration of American history, inspiring young audiences to make a positive change in the world.