A review by missbradleys_bookcart
This Place: 150 Years Retold by Sonny Assu, Katherena Vermette, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Jen Storm, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, David A. Robertson, Brandon Mitchell, Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, Richard Van Camp, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Chelsea Vowel

5.0

This is a fantastic compilation of stories that span all across our country. Written and illustrated by various authors and illustrators, each story has a different style but yet each contributes to the whole. Featuring events and people important in our history, we are able to see a perspective that is important and necessary as we work towards reconciliation. Each story starts with a timeline of events to show the importance of the how each hero fought for indigenous rights and provides the necessary background to help the reader make sense of the story. I loved Annie of Red River and cheered for her spunky nature when she stands up for herself and the other women of Red River. I also loved Peggy, the story of Francis Pegahmagabow, as it tells the story of his heroic efforts as a sniper during WW1 but even more importantly because it addresses how as the most decorated Indigenous soldier he was turned down 5 times for agricultural loans. Other stories to note are Nimki the heartbreaking story about kids in care, Warrior Nation about the Oka Crisis, and Red Clouds about a windigo. The whole book is fantastic and I recommend reading the whole thing but this would also be great for mini literature circles in a history or social studies class where groups look at one specific story and then have a chance to discuss together. Also important to note are the many contributions that our Manitoba authors and illustrators made in helping to put this together!