This teen novel, written by Iqaluit-based Inuit author Aviaq Johnston,
is 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 word 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; 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.