FICTION

Pemmican Wars

by Katherena VERMETTE
illus. by Scott B. Henderson. 48p. Highwater. Mar. 2018. pap. $18.95. ISBN 9781553796787.
COPY ISBN
Gr 6–10—Echo is a Métis teen who finds herself drawn into her ancestors' past in the middle of a history lecture. A lonely outsider in her school and a newcomer in a group home, she's transported back in time to the events surrounding the Canadian Pemmican Wars. Her world is populated by her indigenous ancestors, a queer teacher, and a housemate who is differently abled. Gorgeously rendered panels convey Echo's isolation in the real world and comfort in the past. The work is light on text, and its brevity makes it feel more like plot exposition than a fully fleshed out novel. The end matter contains a time line, a recipe for pemmican, and the lyrics of a song written by the Métis poet and songwriter Pierre Falcon.
VERDICT A solid selection for introducing a historical event in an accessible format.
Reviewed by Jodeana Kruse, R.A. Long High School, Longview, WA , Mar 01, 2018

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple
by Scanlon, Liz Garton
BOOKS

Action Dude
by Riley, Andy
BOOKS

Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There
by Henderson, Judith
BOOKS

Buns Gone Bad
by Humphrey, Anna
BOOKS

The Good Game
by David, Arihhonni
BOOKS

Pete the Cat: Scaredy Cat!
by Dean, James & Kimberly Dean
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?