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migimon2002's review against another edition
4.0
A graphic-novel biography of Louis Riel, one of Canada’s most well-known (yet often controversial) historical figures. Brown himself admits to altering parts of the historical timeline/details for storytelling purposes, yet highlights his choices and references in the Notes at the back of the book. Many of the theories & various viewpoints surrounding Riel were incorporated throughout the graphic novel, but one can pretty readily decipher which “side” Brown himself favours. It was refreshing to find a book rooted in Canadian history, for a change. Brown’s interpretation of events would be a great way to spark discussion.
mattleesharp's review against another edition
2.0
This book is so flat. The dialogue is wooden. People just announce their motivations every page. The story itself is interesting and not a subject I naturally would have sought out. I'm sure it would make a great tool in a specifically Canadian history course for young teens. But overall just a profound disappointment.
patrickwadden's review against another edition
4.0
What feels like a great way for young children, particularly those who are in 8th grade Canadian Social Studies and History classes, to brush up on one of Canada's most mythological figures who is spoken about far too seldomly, this graphic novel fits the bill.
Although the forward says inspiration is not derived from Hergé, it most certainly is near identical and the jovial pictograms pair nicely with the jovial tone that stays consistent throughout, working well in moments that others would dwell too darkly on imho.
It's extremely didactic as an 8th grade teacher would be to students explaining the same concept for the fourth or fifth time, but it does so in a quite charming way that doesn't bother me nearly as much as I thought it would.
The whole thing is kinda cute and makes the whole business of learning Canada's history fun, which is what it's meant to do, eh?
Also, I read this in 1 (One) Day! It has to be a bit of fun for me to do that!
Although the forward says inspiration is not derived from Hergé, it most certainly is near identical and the jovial pictograms pair nicely with the jovial tone that stays consistent throughout, working well in moments that others would dwell too darkly on imho.
It's extremely didactic as an 8th grade teacher would be to students explaining the same concept for the fourth or fifth time, but it does so in a quite charming way that doesn't bother me nearly as much as I thought it would.
The whole thing is kinda cute and makes the whole business of learning Canada's history fun, which is what it's meant to do, eh?
Also, I read this in 1 (One) Day! It has to be a bit of fun for me to do that!
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
Not as good as I was expecting. But not bad either.
bryanzk's review against another edition
4.0
History always teach us something, such as avoiding bloodshed whatsoever..
emjay2021's review against another edition
5.0
Forgot I had read this. A colleague and I were considering using it for a literature course, so he lent it to me to read. I liked it very much, both the story and the illustrations, but we ultimately decided there wasn't room to include it in our syllabus. Too bad! Maybe one day.
woolfsfahan's review against another edition
4.0
Good introduction to Riel's life during the Red River and Northwest Rebellions. Brown's style is simple yet endearing—something about the contrast between Riel's stern face and enormous hands—and strikingly emotive: the panels showing his incarceration at St. Jean de Dieu, though few, are thick with Riel's suffering.
While this is essentially historical fiction—Brown is very clear that he's playing loose with the record for the sake of narrative—it's enhanced by its endnotes (I'm not a big graphic novel reader, but that's not common for the genre, right?) and assiduous attention to small details, like the feds' scheme with the train.
While this is essentially historical fiction—Brown is very clear that he's playing loose with the record for the sake of narrative—it's enhanced by its endnotes (I'm not a big graphic novel reader, but that's not common for the genre, right?) and assiduous attention to small details, like the feds' scheme with the train.