Norway House Cree Nation
Synopsis:
Eli must embrace his unique heritage and make an impossible decision about his future, and the future of Misewa, in this thrilling last adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
Eli, Morgan and Emily manage to free themselves from captivity as the battle between the humans, animal beings, and Bird Warriors rages on. But there's another, more personal battle, as Eli and an unlikely ally fight to save Mahihkan’s life through a previously forbidden portal. When the Sleeping Giant rumbles to life, the stakes hit an all-time high, and Eli has to reach deep within himself to summon the power so that he can protect Misewa against the dangers of colonization . . . forever.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages 10+.
This is Book 6 of the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Additional Information
280 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Les histoires traditionnelles autochtones sur le ciel et les constellations rencontrent la légende de Narnia dans cette série fantastique et épique destinée aux préadolescent·es, écrite par l’auteur primé David A. Robertson.
Dans ce deuxième livre de la série, Eli et Morgan se rendent une nouvelle fois à Misewa en remontant le temps.
De retour chez eux après leur première aventure dans les terres isolées, Eli et Morgan sont tous deux confrontés à des problèmes personnels : Eli est victime d’intimidation à l’école et tente de le cacher à Morgan, tandis que cette dernière doit prendre une décision importante au sujet de sa mère biologique. Ils se tournent alors vers l’endroit où ils savent qu’ils peuvent apprendre le plus, et font le voyage jusqu’à Misewa pour rendre visite à leurs amis les animaux. Cette fois, ils remontent le temps et rencontrent un jeune pécan qui pourrait bien être leur ami disparu. Ils découvrent cependant que le village est à nouveau en péril et doivent puiser au plus profond d’eux-mêmes pour trouver la force de protéger leurs amis bienaimés. Pourront-ils ramener cette force à la maison pour faire face à leurs propres défis?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This is the French translation of The Great Bear.
This book is part of La saga Misewa.
Additional Information
256 pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
From bestselling author of the Misewa Saga series David A. Robertson, this is the essential guide for all Canadians to understand how small and attainable acts towards reconciliation can make an enormous difference in our collective efforts to build a reconciled country.
52 Ways to Reconcile is an accessible, friendly guide for non-Indigenous people eager to learn, or Indigenous people eager to do more in our collective effort towards reconciliation, as people, and as a country. As much as non-Indigenous people want to walk the path of reconciliation, they often aren’t quite sure what to do, and they’re afraid of making mistakes. This book is the answer and the long overdue guide.
The idea of this book is simple: 52 small acts of reconciliation to consider, one per week, for an entire year. They’re all doable, and they’re all meaningful. All 52 steps take readers in the right direction, towards a healthier relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and a time when we are past trauma. By following these steps, we can live in stronger and healthier communities equally, and respectfully, together.
Additional Information
224 pages | 5.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
With humour, warmth and heartbreaking honesty, award-winning author David A. Roberston explores the struggles and small victories of living with chronic anxiety and depression, and shares his hard-earned wisdom in the hope of making other people’s mental health journeys a little less lonely
From the outside, David A. Robertson looks as if he has it all together—a loving family, a successful career as an author, and a platform to promote Indigenous perspectives, cultures and concerns. But what we see on the outside rarely reveals what is happening inside. Robertson lives with “little monsters”: chronic, debilitating health anxiety and panic attacks accompanied, at times, by depression. During the worst periods, he finds getting out of bed to walk down the hall an insurmountable task. During the better times, he wrestles with the compulsion to scan his body for that sure sign of a dire health crisis.
In All the Little Monsters, Robertson reveals what it’s like to live inside his mind and his body and describes the toll his mental health challenges have taken on him and his family, and how he has learned to put one foot in front of the other as well as to get back up when he stumbles. He also writes about the tools that have helped him carry on, including community, therapy, medication and the simple question he asks himself on repeat: what if everything will be okay?
In candidly sharing his personal story and showing that he can be well even if he can’t be “cured,” Robertson hopes to help others on their own mental health journeys.
Additional Information
272 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Eli and Morgan embark on a dangerous mission to rescue kidnapped animal beings in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
Eli, Morgan and Emily embark on their most dangerous mission yet, to save the kidnapped animal beings of Ministik. But before they can reach the heavily guarded Land of the Sleeping Giant, Eli must rally more help, not just from old friends, but from surprising new allies. And he must rely on a new way to travel: on the back of the leader of the Bird Warriors himself, Pip. Together they will journey across the North Country, on a mission to reconnect the Bird Warriors, as well as confront old enemies. But even as he must fight for his life – and the lives of his friends and new family – Eli must also come to terms with his newfound knowledge: What does it mean that he is only part human?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This is the fifth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
The Misewa Saga series reflects stories of the sky and the constellations held within its great canvas. The word “misewa” is Cree for “all that is” — elders say that what is above is mirrored below, and this is the connection we have with misewa.
Additional Information
216 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
While exploring World’s End, an area in Aski they've just discovered, Morgan and Emily delight in their developing relationship, while Eli struggles to understand his new-found power: the ability to locate a portal. A shocking turn of events leads them to a new village, Ministik, where the animal beings who live there are going missing. Horrified to discover who is responsible, the children vow to help and turn to friends, old and new. But it's getting harder and harder to keep the two worlds separate, especially when details of a traditional legend change everything. Forever.
Reviews
"Delivers what series fans have come to expect: fast-paced adventure, humorous banter, and tender explorations of Indigenous experiences." —Kirkus Reviews
"David A. Robertson’s novel The Portal Keeper, a remix of The Chronicles of Narnia set in Winnipeg, is an exciting new instalment that adds its distinct touch on the world that Robertson has been building on for the past four years." —Northern News Service
"The Portal Keeper is another excellent instalment in the Misewa Saga. Robertson’s increasingly masterful prose keeps readers engaged, curious, and on the edge of their seats."—The Anishinabek News
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This is the fourth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Additional Information
256 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Eva and Cole are back just in time to face Mihko’s latest threat: the terrifying results of human experimentation.
Cole and Eva are reunited once more. A new terror looms as Mihko Laboratories latest human experiments are about to be unleashed. Cole is on the long road to recovery, but he’s still struggling with survivor’s guilt. He must stay focused as he, Eva, and their friends prepare for the final showdown with Mihko.
After the events of Version Control, Brady’s mind is fractured, and he can’t distinguish between what really happened and what Mikho made him believe. Eva and Cole may have to face this terrifying threat without him. It’s a grim prospect, but a new discovery might just change everything: God Flare.
Will Brady recover enough to join the fight? Can Cole come to terms with his abilities in spite of his PTSD? And will God Flare help even the odds against Mihko?
Reviews
The art style is realistic and gritty, reflecting the serious and dystopian tone of the story. Colors are dark and muted, actions are clear, and special effects of the supernatural pop off the page, a marked contrast to more normal backgrounds and objects.” — Youth Services Book Review
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 8 to 12.
This book is part of the graphic novel series, The Reckoner Rises, a continuation of The Reckoner trilogy. It is Book 3 in the series.
Additional Information
72 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Meurtres mystérieux, silhouettes obscures et le train-train quotidien à la polyvalente. La vie à Wounded Sky peut être dure surtout lorsque la communauté vient de perdre leur héros. Cole Harper est mort. Reynold McCabe est vivant et libre. Les laboratoires Mihko ont rouvert le centre de recherche et travaillent à fabriquer et à militariser le virus qui a décimé la population. Des personnes sont portées disparues et la communauté a été mise en quarantaine. Désespérée, Eva fait un pacte avec un animal qui parle. Mais, pendant ce temps, l’étau se resserre sur les membres de la communauté qui sont prisonniers de leur propre maison. Le temps presse.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 13+
This book is the third book in David Robertson's The Reckoner trilogy (La trilogie Reckoner).
This book is available in English: Ghosts
Additional Information
264 Pages
Synopsis:
Cole Harper peine à s'habituer à la vie dans la Première Nation de Wounded Sky. Il a beau avoir arrêté un tueur en série, les ennuis sont loin d'être terminés. Une créature se tapit dans l'ombre de la forêt de Blackwood, la clinique est confinée par une mystérieuse organisation et des secrets enfouis depuis longtemps menacent de refaire surface. Cole connaîtra-t-il la vérité sur la mort de son père ? Pourquoi Choch ne lui répond-il pas franchement ? Où se cache Jayne ? Oh, puis le secondaire, c'est poche !
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 13+
This book is the second book in David Robertson's The Reckoner trilogy (La trilogie Reckoner).
This book is available in English: Monsters
Additional Information
300 Pages
Synopsis:
Lorsque Cole Harper est contraint de retourner à la Première Nation Wounded Sky, il trouve sa communauté en plein chaos : une série de meurtres choquants, une maladie mystérieuse qui ravage les résidents et des questions qui refont surface sur le rôle de Cole dans une vieille tragédie. Avec l'aide d'un esprit malveillant, d'un fantôme défiguré et de ses deux plus vieux amis, Cole tente de comprendre sa raison d'être et de résoudre les mystères qu'il a laissés derrière lui il y a dix ans. Trouvera-t-il les réponses à temps pour sauver sa communauté ? Sous la plume de David A. Robertson, Cole Harper est à la fois un anti-héros, un super-héros, un personnage déchiré et attachant à l’humour aiguisé. Étrangers fait référence aux grands pans de l’histoire des Premières nations tout en composant une histoire haletante pour les adolescents. Une manière douce d’aborder plusieurs problématiques dénoncées par les communautés autochtones.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 13+
This book is the first book in David Robertson's The Reckoner trilogy (La trilogie Reckoner).
This book is available in English: Strangers
Additional Information
252 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Les histoires traditionnelles autochtones sur le ciel et les constellations rencontrent la légende de Narnia dans cette série fantastique et épique destinée aux préadolescents, écrite par l’auteur primé David A. Robertson.
Morgan et Eli, deux jeunes Autochtones contraints de quitter leur famille et leur communauté, sont réunis dans un foyer d’accueil à Winnipeg, au Manitoba. Ils se sentent déconnectés de leur culture, mais aussi les uns des autres, et peinent à s’intégrer à l’école et dans leur nouvelle maison… jusqu’à ce qu’ils découvrent un endroit secret, muré dans une chambre mansardée et inachevée.
Un portail s’ouvre sur une autre réalité, Askí, les menant sur des terres gelées et arides, où ils rencontrent un Ochek (un pêcheur). Seul chasseur à subvenir aux besoins de sa communauté affamée, Misewa, l’Ochek accueille les enfants humains et leur enseigne les méthodes traditionnelles de survie.
Alors que le besoin de nourriture se fait cruellement sentir, ils s’embarquent pour une mission dangereuse. Accompagnés d’Arik, un écureuil insolent qu’ils ont surpris à voler sur la ligne de chasse, ils tentent de sauver Misewa avant que l’hiver ne vienne tout geler, y compris eux.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This book is part of La saga Misewa.
This is the French translation of The Barren Grounds.
Additional Information
Paperback
Synopsis:
It's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help — from friends old and new. Racing against the clock, and with Arik and Emily at her side, Morgan sets off to follow the trail away from the Great Tree to find Eli's soul before it's too late. As they journey deep into the northern woods, a place they've been warned never to enter, they face new challenges and life-threatening attacks from strange and horrifying creatures. But a surprise ally comes to their aid, and Morgan finds the strength to focus on what's most important: saving her brother's life.
Reviews
"Girl power is front and center in the latest Misewa adventure . . . there's a lot of urgencies, a lot of action, a lot of emotion as events include satisfying reunions and heartbreaking loss." —Common Sense Media
"As readers, we were able to learn a lot about Cree culture in a way that's not achievable through textbooks . . . these books would be a great addition to any classroom library." —The Suburban
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+
This is Book 3 in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Additional Information
256 pages | 5.50" x 8.19" | Paperback
Synopsis:
With Cole barely clinging to life, Eva fearlessly takes the lead to investigate Mihko’s diabolical experiments. But where’s Brady?
After finding out Mihko reinstated the Reckoner Initiative in Breakdown, Cole and Eva confronted Mihko head-on. But when Eva stumbles across a secret laboratory, she finds her worst nightmares come to life. After a vicious battle with Mihko’s newest test subject leaves Cole close to death, Eva is forced to continue their investigation without him. With Brady missing and Cole in recovery, Eva is on her own.
What new terrors has Mihko created? Can they be stopped? And can Eva find Brady before it’s too late?
Awards
- Manuela Dias Book Design and Illustration Awards, Graphic Novel 2023 Winner
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 15 to 18.
This graphic novel series, The Reckoner Rises, is a continuation of The Reckoner trilogy. This is the first volume in the series.
Subjects / Themes: Indigenous, Science Fiction, Mental Illness, Superheroes
Additional Information
80 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Jerleen Sullivan Anderson from Norway House Cree Nation shares the story of her brother Jordan River Anderson and their Mom Virgina Anderson in her book Jordan and Mom.
Jerleen writes this book so that we can remember Jordan and the way he was treated as a First Nations child, with his serious health condition, by the governments of Manitoba and Canada. It is a book for us to learn and understand how Jordan’s Principle came about and that Jordan had a Mom and family who loved him dearly.
Educator Information
The publisher recommends this picture book for grades seven, eight, and nine.
Keywords / Themes: Jordan's Principle; Health; Family.
Additional Information
24 Pages | Paperback
Synopsis:
Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home -- until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom. A portal opens to another reality, Askí, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher). The only hunter supporting his starving community, Misewa, Ochek welcomes the human children, teaching them traditional ways to survive. But as the need for food becomes desperate, they embark on a dangerous mission. Accompanied by Arik, a sassy Squirrel they catch stealing from the trapline, they try to save Misewa before the icy grip of winter freezes everything -- including them.
Reviews
"David A. Robertson has written such a fine, beautiful novel. He manages to combine hard truths about our history with a Narnia-like fantasy, sweeping us into the world of the story while opening our hearts as well." -- Susin Nielsen, author of We Are All Made of Molecules and No Fixed Address
“This is a book that is rich in its characterization, evocative in its descriptions, and skillful in its weaving together of traditions of the past and life in the present.” --CM Magazine
"This middle-grade fantasy deftly and compellingly centers Indigenous culture." --STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews
"The Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga is a story about two Indigenous children forced away from their families to a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Struggling to fit, the two children find a space in the attic that opens a portal into another realm. They learn the traditional ways to survive and embark on a dangerous mission there." - The Dalai Lama Center
Educator & Series Information
For ages 10+ (middle-grades).
This is Book 1 of the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
This book is available in French: La saga Misewa: N° 1 - Les terres isolées.
Additional Information
256 pages | 5.44" x 8.25" | Jacket art and interior illustrations Natasha Donovan | Paperback
Synopsis:
Acclaimed writer, David A. Robertson, delivers suspense, adventure, and humour in this stunningly illustrated graphic novel continuation of The Reckoner trilogy.
After the events in Wounded Sky, Cole and Eva arrive in Winnipeg, the headquarters of Mihko Laboratories. They are intent on destroying the company once and for all, but their plans are thwarted when a new threat surfaces. When Cole becomes mired in terrifying visions, Eva must harness her newly discovered powers to investigate Mihko without him. Are Cole’s visions just troubled dreams or are they leading him to a horrible truth?
Perfect for fans of superheroes, The Bloodhound Gang returns in this all-new graphic novel series, The Reckoner Rises.
Reviews
“David A. Robertson's powerful Indigenous YA trilogy gets a comic-book continuation, a natural format for the adventures of an anxious teen turned tormented superhero.” - Quill & Quire
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 8 to 12.
This book is part of the graphic novel series, The Reckoner Rises, a continuation of The Reckoner trilogy.
Additional Information
72 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
Explore the past 150 years through the eyes of Indigenous creators in this groundbreaking graphic novel anthology. Beautifully illustrated, these stories are an emotional and enlightening journey through Indigenous wonderworks, psychic battles, and time travel. See how Indigenous peoples have survived a post-apocalyptic world since Contact.
Watch for new stories and familiar characters:
- Métis businesswoman Annie Bannatyne and Louis Riel
- Oka Crisis, Meech Lake Accord, and Kelowna Accord
- the Berger Inquiry into the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline
- Jack Fiddler, an Anishinaabe shaman charged as a serial killer
- Rosie, an Inuk girl coming of age during WWII
- wâpanacâhkos, an Indigenous woman sent back from the future to the early 2000s
- fishing raids and salmon wars in Listuguj, Quebec
- Francis Pegahmagabow, WWI sniper and veterans’ rights activist
- the impact of the Sixties Scoop and the child welfare system
- Chief Billy Assu and the potlatch bans in British Columbia
Reviews
Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, one of the contributors to this work, says the book is, an “opportunity to shine a light on the stories most Canadians haven’t heard, to learn from Indigenous communities from 1867 to present day—whether these stories are influenced by the creation of Canada or not."
"…breathtaking comics anthology…this mix of powerful storytelling and memorable illustrations is a place to begin a dialogue with Indigenous peoples in Canada." —The Globe and Mail
"The anthology is visually gorgeous. Each story is powerfully conveyed, reflecting a time and moment in the Indigenous history of Canada…great read for any age." —Quill & Quire, starred review
"This Place is the graphic novel I’ve waited my whole life for, and the graphic novel Canada has needed for 150 years. The stories contained within its pages are both beautifully rendered and vitally necessary. They represent a history not only largely untold and unknown, but one obscured, hidden from sight, so that other stories may occupy a privileged place in the defining a national story. Their importance is exquisitely captured on these pages, told by some the leading artists working today. This is an essential book, for comic fans, teachers and anyone who wants to learn the stories of this place we now share." —Jesse Wente, broadcaster and film critic
"A landmark collection of Indigenous comics that redraws how we understand the past, present, and future of Indigenous communities and cultures since Confederation. Each chapter immerses us in a gripping story about real people brought to life through vivid and affecting artwork. This collection proves the power of comics storytelling to create fresh pathways to knowledge and new ways of envisioning Indigenous experiences." —Candida Rifkind, University of Winnipeg
"This is the power of storytelling. It’s going deeper and truer than the history books and the newspaper accounts. It’s bringing the stories to the people for the people and doing it for the right reasons: to teach and to illuminate. This Place: 150 Years Retold is the dawn to a new storytelling tradition that doesn’t need to be held back. It should be shouted forward from now on." —Helen Kubiw, CanLit for LittleCanadians
Educator Information
This graphic novel is recommended for ages 15+.
Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020 resource list for grades 7 to 12 for Art Education, English Language Arts, Law, and Social Studies.
These stories refer to real incidents and include graphic violence, abuse, and death.
A teacher's guide is available: This Place: 150 Years Retold Teacher Guide
Additional Information
250 Pages
Synopsis:
On her way to school one day, Sarah is relieved to find the book she’d dropped the day before – shortly after an encounter with a bear. But when she opens it, the story within, about the Cree chief Mistahimaskwa, comes alive. It takes Sarah back to the Saskatchewan Plains of 1832, where the young boy who would become the great chief first learns the ways of his people, to the final days of his life.
Educator & Series Information
The Chief is one book in the Tales From Big Spirit series. Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide - Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide. The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teacher's use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
The Chief is available in French: Le chef : Mistahimaskwa
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
When Richard’s class from Big Spirit School takes a canoe trip, he and his classmates chance upon an elderly woman. She tells them the story of her grandfather, John Ramsay, of the Sandy Bar community on Lake Winnipeg. Ramsay’s land was taken by the government and given to the new settlers from Iceland who arrived there in 1875. Yet many owed their survival to Ramsay, who helped them through freezing winters, hunger, and a devastating smallpox epidemic.
Educator & Series Information
The Land of Os is one book in the Tales From Big Spirit series. Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
A Teacher's Guide is also available for the Tales from the Big Spirit Series: Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide. The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teachers use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
This resources is also available in French: D'hier à aujourd'hui, Le protecteur d’Ós : John Ramsay
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
For Tyrese, history class is the lowest point of his school day. That is, until his friend Levi reveals a secret – a secret that brings history alive, in the form of one Gabriel Dumont. Through Dumont, a great Métis leader of the Northwest Resistance, the boys experience a bison hunt, a skirmish with the Blackfoot, and an encounter with the great Louis Riel, and, ultimately, a great battle of the Northwest Resistance at Batoche, Saskatchewan.
Educator & Series Information
The Rebel is one book in the Tales from Big Spirit series. Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
Grade: for grades 4–6
A Teacher's Guide is also available for the Tales from the Big Spirit Series: Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide. The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teachers use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
This resources is also available in French: D'hier à aujourd'hui, Le rebelle : Gabriel Dumont
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
Although Kathy loves poetry, she is far too shy to recite it in front of her class. But the story of Pauline Johnson, renowned as the "Mohawk Princess," inspires Kathy to overcome her stage fright. Pauline, from the Grand River Reserve in Ontario, crisscrossed the country, reciting her poems to far-flung communities, making her among the most beloved literary figure of the Edwardian era.
Educator & Series Information
Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
Grades 4-6
Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide - Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide
The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teacher's use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
The Poet: Pauline Johnson is available in French: La poète : Pauline Johnson
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
When a mishap delays Jessie at the end of a school day, she takes a shortcut home. But the shortcut turns into an adventure, as Jessie is transported through time and space, to early 19th-century Newfoundland. There she meets Shawnadithit who, as the last surviving member of the Beothuk, has witnessed the end of a once-great people.
Educator & Series Information
Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
Grades 4-6
A Teacher's Guide is also available for the Tales from the Big Spirit Series: Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide
The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teachers use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
This resource is also available in French: D'hier à aujourd'hui, L’héritage de Nancy April : Shawnadithit
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
A search down a wooded path for a well-hit baseball turns into an encounter between Pamela and a veteran soldier standing in front of a monument. The statue commemorates the heroism of Sgt. Tommy Prince, the most decorated Aboriginal soldier in Canada. Pamela is curious, and the veteran is happy to regale her with the story of the expert marksman and tracker, renowned for his daring and bravery in World War II and the Korean War.
Educator & Series Information
Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide - Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide.
The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teacher's use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
The Scout: Tommy Prince is available in French: L’éclaireur : Tommy Prince
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"
Synopsis:
When Cole's teacher catches him drawing rather than listening in class, he gives Cole a special assignment: an oral presentation on an important Aboriginal figure. Cole will do almost anything to avoid speaking in public -- even feigning illness. But when he hear the story of the remarkable woman known as Thanadelthur -- peacemaker between the Cree and the Dene and interpreter for the governor of Fort York -- he is so inspired by her bravery, he overcomes his own fears.
Educator & Series Information
Tales from Big Spirit is a unique graphic novel series that delves into the stories of great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.
Grades 4-6
Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide - Tales from the Big Spirit Series Teacher's Guide
The teacher's guide is designed to help classroom teacher's use the graphic novel series, Tales From Big Spirit, by David Alexander Robertson. The guide provides detailed lessons that meet a wide range of language arts and social studies goals, integrate Indigenous perspectives, and make curricular content more accessible to diverse learners.
The Peacemaker is available in French: L’ambassadrice de la paix : Thanadelthur
Additional Information
30 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"