A gorgeous picture book that pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic —with each month of the year highlighting moments from his life, the beauty of the North and the power of dreams.

When Freddie was young, he saw a plane up close for the first time when it dropped off supplies at his family’s remote bush camp. He was instantly hooked.

Freddie has flown for nearly seventy years, doing everything from supply runs to search and rescue to transporting dog teams to far-flung areas.

This book celebrates Freddie’s early dreams of flying and his later achievements. Readers move with Freddie through the year, hearing about his journey as a pilot and leader, while learning the names of the months in Gwich’in and Inuvialuktun at the same time. Art from Inuvialuit painter Audrea Loreen-Wulf perfectly captures the incredible Western Arctic as well as Freddie’s love for aviation.

Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail specializes in telling hidden histories for all ages. She has worked as a freelance writer, consultant, speaker, CBC radio columnist, and is Edmonton's former Historian Laureate. In addition to editing the bestselling collection, In This Together, Danielle has authored several nonfiction books. She is currently at work on a creative nonfiction approach to the history and legacy of the Charles Camsell Indian Hospital. Please visit her at daniellemc.com.

Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail's profile page

Fred Carmichael's profile page

Audrea Loreen-Wulf's profile page

• Short-listed, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
• Winner, First Nations Communities Read Award

One of CBC's Best Canadian Books for Kids and Teens of 2023
PRAISE FOR Freddie the Flyer:

"Telling his tale in the third person along with Metcalfe-Chenail, Carmichael goes from school-age daydreams of flight in the tiny town of Aklavik, Canada, to adventures as a private pilot on the Mackenzie Delta. . . . Painting on rough canvas, Loreen-Wulf underscores the breadth and beauty of the subarctic landscape with scenes of musk oxen and caribou, broad snowfields, and swathes of seasonal wildflowers beneath twilit skies and bright Northern lights. . . . Shines with a love of both planes and place." —Kirkus Reviews

"The story of an Indigenous boy who dreamed of taking to the sky unfolds across the year in this picture-book biography that draws on Gwich’in language, the power of an unshakable passion, and, as rendered in the gorgeous painted illustrations, the beauty of nature." —Booklist
"With few autobiographies for children about Indigenous 'firsts,' this fills a niche." —School Library Journal
"His life story, co-written with Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, is one of passion, determination and great accomplishments, presented here in a series of 12 brief monthly accounts, beginning when Freddie was little." —Montreal Gazette
"Beautiful artwork, depicting the Far North, was created with acrylic paint on canvas. The story is told through the twelve months of the year which are noted in English, Videetoh Goojiidhat and Hiqinnatchiaq." —Youth Service Book Review

"Freddie The Flyer is a captivating true story of great flying inspiration. A beautiful homage to Freddie — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic. A must read!" —Momma Braga

"An empowering story, Carmichael's journey to becoming a pilot illustrates the importance of dreams." —The Miramichi Reader
"A gorgeous picture book that pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic — with each month of the year highlighting moments from his life, the beauty of the North, and the power of dreams. The illustrations are amazing." —Story Monsters Ink