In his debut novel, Rudy Kelly spins a funny and poignant tale of boyhood, broken dreams, and basketball. Set in Prince Rupert in the 1960s to 1980s, All Native is a story of North Coast First Nations, a father, two boys, and the legendary tournament that binds them together.
Praise for All Native
“Indigenous novelists, like Eden Robinson and Terese Marie Mailhot, help bridge a cultural gulf by sharing their stories with a wider audience. Rudy Kelly’s debut novel, a nostalgic coming-of-age story fuelled by bologna sandwiches and Orange Crush, is another contribution to improving our understanding of indigenous BC while entertaining with compelling characters in the distinctive setting of Prince Rupert, BC.”
~ Mike McDonald, The Orca
“Rudy Kelly is a natural storyteller. His characters are strong, and he weaves the love of family and friends through joy and competition, and through difficulties and heartache. All Native is a page-turner for young adults to seniors, and a book that every home should have on its bookshelf.”
~ Nancy Robertson, author of Searching for the April Moon
“Rudy Kelly’s first novel, All Native, is cause for celebration. Those who know the history of the All Native Tournament are aware of its significance to the First Nations people in communities from Haida Gwaii to Alaska, to coastal and inland villages in Northern BC as well as the lower mainland. Those who have sat on the bleachers at the Civic Centre in Rupert will be brought right back there again with Kelly’s excellent reportage. A reader who doesn’t know or care much about basketball will find a compelling story that reaches beyond the benches. The novel explores the influence of a father’s unrealized dream on his son’s life. Kelly’s story spins on the complexities of the friendship between two First Nations teen boys as they grapple with their identity and place in community, their own character differences, as well as family opposition to their friendship. I loved the mix of tragedy and triumph. Applause for this great book!”
~ Jean Ryystad, author of Home Fires