Veronica Barinova
Veronika Barinova is an emerging illustrator currently living in Calgary. She has a Bachelor in Visual Communication Design from the Alberta University of the Arts, and works primarily in digital media. Born in Moscow, Russia, Veronika is inspired by the 90s, occult fiction, and Slavic folk tales. Her work focuses on creating engaging characters and immersive worlds for readers, and her stories often have mystical or supernatural themes with a comedic undertone. Her previous work appeared in the animated film Buddy's Buddy, for which she worked as a background artist.
Teen Books (1)
The Rez Doctor
$22.95
Artists:
Format:
Paperback
Text Content Territories:
Indigenous Canadian; First Nations; Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikaitsitapi);
ISBN / Barcode: 9781553799245
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
In this uplifting story, a young Indigenous man overcomes hardship to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor.
Young Ryan Fox gets good grades, but he’s not sure what he wants to be when he grows up. It isn’t until he meets a Blackfoot doctor during a school assembly that he starts to dream big.
However, becoming a doctor isn’t easy. University takes Ryan away from his family and the Siksikaitsitapi community, and without their support, he begins to struggle. Faced with more stress than he’s ever experienced, he turns to partying. Distracted from his responsibilities, his grades start to slip. His bills pile up. Getting into med school feels impossible. And now his beloved uncle is in jail. Can Ryan regain his footing to walk the path he saw so clearly as a boy?
This inspiring graphic novel for young adults is based on a true story.
Awards
- NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book 2025 Winner
- CBC Young Adult Favorites 2025 Winner
- 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Award (Graphic Novel) Winner
Reviews
“Readers will root for Chase as he struggles with realistic problems like failing grades, acute stress, near-alcoholism, bills, and suddenly becoming a dad….The Rez Doctor is an uplifting and realistic narrative of achieving your dreams and giving back to your community.” — Youth Services Book Review
“…this graphic novel would be a good addition to any collection.” — School Library Journal
Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+
Themes, Subjects, and Big Ideas: YA Fiction, Graphic Novels, Coming of Age, Careers, Occupations, New Experiences.
Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) Level: Z
Additional Information
64 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback
Kids Books (1)
Giju's Gift
$21.95
Artists:
Format:
Paperback
Text Content Territories:
Indigenous Canadian; First Nations; Mi'kmaq;
ISBN / Barcode: 9781553799474
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
A Mi’kmaw girl battles an ancient giant and forms an unexpected friendship in the first volume of this series of graphic novels inspired by traditional stories.
Long ago, all living creatures on this land shared a special balance with one another. The pugulatmu’j—the Little People—were the original guardians of the land, and they looked after all living things. As time passed, we forgot these playful yet powerful guardians, but they did not forget us. Occasionally, they make their presence known with the little tricks they play.
When her hair clip disappears, Mali is devastated. It was special, made by her giju'. Her mom thinks she lost it, but Mali knows it was stolen by the pugulatmu’j.
Soon after, Mali is surprised to meet Puug—and he’s wearing her hair clip. If she helps him find what he needs, she has a chance of getting it back. As they hunt for the objects on Puug’s list, Mali uncovers a lot of unanswered questions along the way.
Why is there a giant chasing them? Will she really get her hair clip back? And why is Puug collecting these things anyway?
Join Mali and Puug as they race to keep one step ahead of an ancient giant in the first volume of this graphic novel series for young readers.
Reviews
"What a read! What an adventure! Giju's Gift is a treasure filled with knowledge, insight, and a little bit of terror. I loved it!! Brandon Mitchell and Veronika Barinova have knocked it out of the park and given us something special that everyone can learn from."— Richard Van Camp, Author of A Blanket of Butterflies and Three Feathers
“At its core, Giju’s Gift is so much more than just an action-adventure graphic novel. It is all about the power and love that memories contain. And for that, I highly recommend this book.” — Canadian Review of Materials
Educator & Series Information
Interest Age: 6–8
Grade: 1–2
Reading Level: Lexile® Framework for Reading: 500L
This is the first graphic novel in the Adventures of the Pugulatmu’j series.
Additional Information
88 pages | 5.50" x 8.00" | Paperback
Our logo reflects the greater Nation we live within—Turtle Island (North America)—and the strength
and core of the Pacific Northwest Coast peoples—the Cedar Tree, known as the Tree of Life. We are
here to support the building of strong nations and help share Indigenous voices.
