Beatrice Mosionier (formerly Culleton) was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba. The youngest of four children, she grew up in foster homes. Following the second suicide in her family, she decided to write a novel. First published in 1983, In Search of April Raintree has become a Canadian Classic.Mosionier's second novel is In the Shadow of Evil, now a re-edited version. A psychological thriller with many plot twists, it tells the story of a Metis woman, Christine, and of her experiences of prejudice, sexual abuse and foster homes in Canada. Her story is juxtaposed by the life struggles of a family of wolves at the fictional Shadow Lake. As with much of her works, this novel focuses on themes of self-forgiveness, power, healing, and how one must deal with the past before moving forward effectively.She has also written children's books, including Unusual Friendships: A Little Black Cat and a Little White Rat. Her most recent work is Come Walk with Me: A Memoir. Beatrice lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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Murray Sinclair's profile page

The first time I ever saw a copy of April Raintree was on orientation day of my teacher education program in 1984. We were handed a copy of the book and were asked to read it and come prepared to discuss it with our peers. April Raintree opened my eyes and heart to issues such as Aboriginal children and families being separated from each other, culture, and identity. The book as has rich story for students and educators and has a dynamic voice of hope and reconciliation.

Helen Robinson-Settee, Director, Aboriginal Education Directorate, Manitoba Education and Training

The telling of this story is a wakeup call to the need for Indigenous children to feel value and validity in their sense of identity. It's about what happens to those who can't. There is a sadness buried between the lines, and yet it is a story of resiliency, of healing, and of triumph. Every child should read this.

Hon. Murray Sinclair