Christine Day’s I Can Make This Promise receives acclaim for its poignant exploration of identity and cultural heritage. Critics praise the relatable protagonist and well-crafted narrative, though some note a predictable plot. The book is celebrated for its authentic representation of Native American experiences, making it a valuable read despite minor criticisms.

Readers of I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day will enjoy heartfelt, culturally rich stories about identity and family. This middle-grade novel will captivate fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang and The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore with its poignant exploration of heritage and self-discovery.

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day follows 12-year-old Edie Green in Seattle as she discovers her hidden Indigenous heritage, her mother’s history, and the life of her grandmother over the course of a week in July. Edie's journey of self-discovery revolves around family secrets, identity, and understanding her cultural roots. The story integrates real Indigenous history and themes of belonging and acceptance. Both historical and contemporary anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination, along with the impacts of cultural genocide and familial separation, are referenced in the book.

Christine Day

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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I Can Make This Promise Summary and Study Guide

Background

I Can Make This Promise Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue and Chapters 1-6

I Can Make This Promise Prologue and Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-13

I Can Make This Promise Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-20

I Can Make This Promise Chapters 14-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-27

I Can Make This Promise Chapters 21-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-34 and Epilogue

I Can Make This Promise Chapters 28-34 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

I Can Make This Promise Character Analysis

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Themes

I Can Make This Promise Themes

Symbols & Motifs

I Can Make This Promise Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

I Can Make This Promise Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

I Can Make This Promise Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

I Can Make This Promise Essay Topics

I Can Make This Promise

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read I Can Make This Promise?

Reading Age

Book Details