Those Who Run in the Sky

A coming-of-age story that follows a young shaman named Pitu as he learns to use his powers and ultimately finds himself lost in the world of the spirits.

After a strange and violent blizzard leaves Pitu stranded on the sea ice, without his dog team or any weapons to defend himself, he soon realizes that he is no longer in the world that he once knew. The storm has carried him into the world of the spirits, a world populated with terrifying creatures—black wolves with red eyes, ravenous and constantly stalking him, and water-dwelling creatures that want nothing more than to snatch him and pull him into the frigid ocean through an ice crack—as well as beings less frightening, but equally as incredible, such as a lone giant who can carry Pitu in the palm of her hand and keeps caribou and polar bears as pets.

After stumbling upon a fellow shaman who has been trapped in the spirit world for many years, Pitu must master all of his shamanic powers to make his way back to the world of the living, to his family, and to the girl that he loves.

Written by Aviaq Johnston | Illustrated by Toma Feizo Gas

Paperback (English) | ISBN: 978-1-77227-121-8 | $15.95 | 6″ x 9″ | 208 pages | 20 black-and-white line drawings | Ages 12+ |

Paperback (Inuktitut) | ISBN: 978-1-77227-146-1 | $13.95 | 6″ x 9″ | 240 pages | 20 black-and-white line drawings | Ages 12+ |

EPUB (English) | ISBN: 978-1-77227-275-8 | $9.99 | 240 pages | 20 black-and-white line drawings | Ages 12+ |

Praise

“. . . [A] haunting tale, with both Inuit culture and a ghoulish spirit world explored in a thrilling and arresting manner.”—Foreword Reviews

“The traditions of this Inuit culture wrap Pitu’ story in a reality that needs to be shared with all youth, Indigenous and otherwise.”—CanLit for Little Canadians

“A gem of an adventure novel grounded in Inuit myths and traditions…Lyrical writing, a suspenseful plot, and vivid illustrations make this a compelling read.Full of wisdom, earth knowledge, and spiritual depth, this novel captures the spirit of Indigenous leadership.”—★ Kirkus, STARRED review

“Johnston’s descriptions are detailed and bring the various spirits to life. Throughout the book, there are black and white illustrations by Toma Feizo Gas which enhance the written descriptions and add depth and interest to the story.”—CM Magazine

Awards

Honour Book — Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Young Adult Literature, 2017

Finalist — Governor General’s Literary Award for Young People’s Literature, 2017

Finalist — Foreword INDIES Award for Young Adult Fiction, 2017

Winner, Most Significant Work of Prose in English by an Emerging Indigenous Writer — Indigenous Voices Award, 2018

Short-listed — Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Young Adult Literature — Indigenous Language, 2019