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cathiedalziel's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, so I picked up this book again today and re-read it while listening to the downloaded track of Gord Downie songs that comes with it. It is hauntingly sad and real and painful and a must not forget aspect of our Canadian history that we need to learn from and apologize for and not let happen ever again.
This is a short graphic novel telling the story of the last days of an indigenous child, a young boy, who walks away from the residential schools that took indigenous children away from their parents, their communities and placed them in religious schools meant to erase their culture, their way of life (all in the name of progress, sigh). The boy never makes it home; he dies while trying to reach it. It is one story of many, that have been buried.
Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip is a Canadian icon. He passed away, from a brain tumor this week, and our country has been paying respects to this ideal changer. He grew up in a city just down the highway from where I live and I have been listening to his music for most of my adult life.
He wanted to leave something behind that was more than just him (although him alone would be a fine legacy to leave) and he has done this with this project.
Thank you Gord, for all you have done. I saw a man wearing a t-shirt yesterday that said "In Gord we trust". Yep, we did.
This is a short graphic novel telling the story of the last days of an indigenous child, a young boy, who walks away from the residential schools that took indigenous children away from their parents, their communities and placed them in religious schools meant to erase their culture, their way of life (all in the name of progress, sigh). The boy never makes it home; he dies while trying to reach it. It is one story of many, that have been buried.
Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip is a Canadian icon. He passed away, from a brain tumor this week, and our country has been paying respects to this ideal changer. He grew up in a city just down the highway from where I live and I have been listening to his music for most of my adult life.
He wanted to leave something behind that was more than just him (although him alone would be a fine legacy to leave) and he has done this with this project.
Thank you Gord, for all you have done. I saw a man wearing a t-shirt yesterday that said "In Gord we trust". Yep, we did.
guylou's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
katebullen's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning illustrations and words to match. Made me tear up (at work!). Can't wait to listen to the music.
literallykalasin's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a quiet graphic novel in a lot of ways. The vast majority of the book is black and white, washed in blues, and the only time we see colour is when Chanie thinks of his family. Most of the book is images of Chanie walking, walking, walking down train tracks. But between the lyrics transcribed, the accompanying music, and the flashes of memory, this is a graphic novel that forces you to consider the plight of a kid -- he was only twelve! -- who would rather brave walking alone with no food or shelter in winter than go back to his residential school.
meg1983's review against another edition
5.0
So moving, so beautiful, so haunting. This book is good for intermediate and middle schoolers. This is an important truth that must be told before we can move to reconciliation.
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully done. Very spare. Illustrations with no words and then poetry interspersed throughout. Hard truths here.
samidhak's review against another edition
3.0
It’s showcases a pocket of history which has been buried for long enough. It’s an important graphic novel. However, I feel it could’ve been better if the story and art was tied some with the reality that inspired it. I read this without reading the back cover and was very confused, until I realised what the poems were about.
msvenner's review against another edition
3.0
This is a beautiful book with beautiful poetry. The graphic illustrations tell a poignant story and the lyrics fit beautifully. That said, I much preferred other telling of the Chanie Wenjack story to this one.
I'm not sure how this will appeal to kids grade 7 and 8. I read it because it was nominated for the Ontario Library Association Forest of Reading program. I'm curious to hear from the kids for their responses to it.
I'm not sure how this will appeal to kids grade 7 and 8. I read it because it was nominated for the Ontario Library Association Forest of Reading program. I'm curious to hear from the kids for their responses to it.