BOISE, ID — High school students from the Boise School District and other schools in the Treasure Valley had the unique opportunity to engage with best-selling author Angeline Boulley at an event hosted by the Idaho Humanities Council today at Capital High School Auditorium.
Boulley, widely known for her debut novel Firekeeper’s Daughter, captivated the audience as she shared insights into her journey as a writer, offering words of encouragement to students who aspire to become authors themselves. She spoke about the challenges and triumphs of storytelling, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, authenticity, and the power of diverse voices in literature.
“We have to show that there is a wider market for our stories, that it's not a specific genre, that our stories are mainstream stories," Boulley told the students. "So for young adult literature, that means let's have more stories about Native communities, and you can see how different communities are—and that’s exciting to me.”
Her debut novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter, is a New York Times bestseller and winner of multiple awards, including the Printz Medal and the Morris Award. The book, a groundbreaking thriller infused with Anishinaabe culture and identity, has resonated with readers worldwide. She also discussed her other works, which continue to elevate Indigenous storytelling in young adult literature.
For students in the audience who dream of becoming published authors, Boulley had words of advice:
“Write freely, write whatever you want, let the words flow. Getting a book published is such a long process, and there's a lot of time for editing and revising, but don't hold yourself back when it comes to writing," she said. "And when you are editing, you can be in a different mindset and decide what should be removed. I had this mantra while I was writing, and it was: ‘I write to preserve my culture, and I edit to protect it.’”
Students had the chance to ask questions, gain insight into the creative writing process, and receive guidance on how to develop their own stories. Boulley encouraged them to draw inspiration from their personal experiences and to embrace their unique perspectives.
“I loved hearing about her writing process and how she didn’t give up on her story,” said one student in attendance. “It makes me feel like I can do it too.”
The Idaho Humanities Council, dedicated to enriching communities through literary and cultural engagement, organized the event as part of its ongoing efforts to connect students with influential authors and foster a love for reading and writing.
For students across the Treasure Valley, today’s event was more than just a talk—it was a reminder that their voices matter, and that with dedication and passion, they too can become storytellers.