Scan barcode
daniellemohlman's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
burnourhistory's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
melinda1962's review
3.0
3.5 I’m not going to pretend I understand why the MC was so stubborn at both the Canadian and American borders. But I do understand why this book has such an important topic concerning Indigenous peoples. I enjoyed the story and art work. The mother frustrated me though.
rpultorak's review
challenging
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rjsreadingnook's review against another edition
4.0
Great graphic novel read, one of the only graphic novels I’ve been able to find at my local library by a Native author. The art is simply gorgeous. The message and questions the book poses about borders and citizenship are important for readers of any age to consider.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
A Blackfoot mother and son are trapped in an international limbo when the mother is pressured to declare her nationality as Canadian or American while she only identifies as Blackfoot.
Thought provoking subject matter with superb illustrations.
Thought provoking subject matter with superb illustrations.
maryehavens's review against another edition
4.0
As a Texan, I hear the word "Border" and I automatically think of the controversial Texas/Mexico border. I was pleasantly surprised (if you can be about border politics...mostly just happy it was a different border) that this graphic novel takes place at the Canadian border.
Mom's refusal to identify as anything other than Blackfoot was such a strong and true statement. Why should she identify as anything other than what she is, especially when she did not choose to "become" Canadian? I wonder if Border Patrol has changed their question from "what are you" to "where do you hail from" or something similar. What would the answer be if you were a tourist in Canada traveling to America? "I'm Brazilian but I was visiting Canada". Would that have been acceptable?
In addition, this story is a typical story of a young adult wanting to experience the world outside of their community. I know I was very much this way: everything outside of my small town Texas upbringing seemed "the most" exotic even if it was just the next big city that I could get to. The people there seemed more important and exciting. But really: they are just people like me :)
Mom's refusal to identify as anything other than Blackfoot was such a strong and true statement. Why should she identify as anything other than what she is, especially when she did not choose to "become" Canadian? I wonder if Border Patrol has changed their question from "what are you" to "where do you hail from" or something similar. What would the answer be if you were a tourist in Canada traveling to America? "I'm Brazilian but I was visiting Canada". Would that have been acceptable?
In addition, this story is a typical story of a young adult wanting to experience the world outside of their community. I know I was very much this way: everything outside of my small town Texas upbringing seemed "the most" exotic even if it was just the next big city that I could get to. The people there seemed more important and exciting. But really: they are just people like me :)
professionalreader's review
I like this. The style was very nice and the story was interesting.
thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
This graphic novel is beautifully drawn and written. It deals with Indigenous people and the issues they face with trying reclaim their culture, their land, their sense of self. It deals with border issues (those in Canada in this one) and how difficult it is to claim your country of origin when you're an Indigenous person. This book will be well-received by anyone who reads it because it hits so close to home on many issues we discuss in the US everyday.
lizaroo71's review against another edition
3.0
A graphic novel depicting what it means to have borders determine who we are and what we call ourselves.
When a boy and his mother set out to visit his sister in Salt Lake City, they find themselves between nations when they are asked at the border to declare their citizenship. When the mother replies, "Blackfoot" the border agents on either side (American or Canadian) can't accept the answer.
As the boy and his mother spend the night in their car in limbo. It isn't until their story gets the attention of the media that the two find a solution.
When a boy and his mother set out to visit his sister in Salt Lake City, they find themselves between nations when they are asked at the border to declare their citizenship. When the mother replies, "Blackfoot" the border agents on either side (American or Canadian) can't accept the answer.
As the boy and his mother spend the night in their car in limbo. It isn't until their story gets the attention of the media that the two find a solution.