The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Dimaline, Cherie. Hunting by Stars: A Marrow Thieves Book. Abrams Books, New York, NY, 10007, 2021. Kindle AZW file.

A plague that struck a decade ago has left most of the population with terrible side-effects, including the inability to dream. There are some treatments, but many people believe the marrow of Native Americans to be the only cure. French is a 17-year-old Native American living with his “found family” that includes a girl named Rose, an elder named Miig, a couple named Chi Boy and Wab, and a set of twins named Zheegwon and Tree. Chi Boy and Wab are expecting their first baby. French's "found family" has recently joined a larger camp that includes French's biological father, Jean. Miig has just been reunited with his husband Isaac, a man they believed to be dead until he arrived with nurses who helped him escape. French steps into the forest alone for a moment, and Recruiters capture him.

French wakes in a government-operated school – a facility where Native Americans are being held for research. French is torn between hoping his found family will come rescue him and terror that they will be caught trying to save him. French is shocked when he realizes the awkward young man working in one of the offices is Mitch, his brother. They were separated seven years earlier when Mitch was captured by Recruiters. French believes he has found an ally, but he soon discovers that Mitch is fully committed to his role as an Agent with the government Program. French endures punishments that include being held in a room where a siren blares and being confined to a dark room for hours at a time. He is soon sharing information to avoid further punishment, though he is careful not to give the officials sensitive or specific details. When Mitch speaks for French, they are teamed up to go into the forest nearby to retrieve a group of Native Americans. When French is unable to escape, he winds up helping capture a woman and seven-year-old girl. French and Mitch are then sent into the forest to reunite with French's group in order to bring down a smuggling ring that has been helping Native Americans reach America where there are laws against harvesting marrow from Native Americans.

French expects to gain Mitch's trust so that they can both escape with Miig's group, but Mitch is so immersed in the Program that he is anxious to succeed in the mission. French discovers Rose left weeks earlier on a rescue mission to retrieve French. When Mitch reveals there is a new program that will harvest marrow and stem cells from the very young – including babies – French kills Mitch in an effort to protect Wab and her baby. The small group makes it across the Canadian border into America on a train. What they do not know is that a member of the smuggling operation has turned rogue, giving the itinerary to a group of wealthy women who are planning to use the Native Americans to cure their families of the effects of the plague. They are held captive by the deranged women who cut out one of Miig's ribs while Wab gives birth in a small cage. A showdown takes place that results in several deaths. Rose arrives with a new friend, and the remaining group – including baby Ishkode – run for their lives. As the novel ends, they have made camp near an abandoned amusement park. Rose is looking forward to a brighter future for Ishkode – one that will include the opportunity for her to be as loud as she wants.