Strength and Struggle

A recently published book described as a "graphic novella/memoir":

iLit Strength and Struggle: Perspectives From First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in CanadaStrength and Struggle: Perspectives from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada is part of McGraw-Hill Ryerson’s iLit Collection of supplementary student resources for high school English courses. This title is a 149-page, soft-cover book that includes a rich array of short stories, poetry, music lyrics, graphic art, articles, essays, and other pieces that will have students laughing, crying, talking, and thinking. It is a true celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis writing and art. This resource is designed to be appropriate for a grade 10 or 11 reader.Book reflects Aboriginal presence

By Rick GarrickA Grade 10-11 textbook featuring First Nation, Inuit and Métis short stories, poetry, music lyrics, graphic art, articles and essays was launched June 22 at the Northern Woman’s Bookstore in Thunder Bay.

“These are stories that were either told to them or stories that come from the heart,” said Rachel Mishenene, who co-edited the McGraw-Hill Ryerson textbook along with Pamela Rose Toulouse. “These are their personal stories that reflect that Aboriginal presence.”And:The book features a speech by novelist Joseph Boyden, a graphic journal by filmmaker Nadia McLaren, a poem by former Rainy River chief Al Hunter, personal accounts by Darryl Sainnawap and Forrest Rain Shapwaykeesic, and artwork by Elliot Doxtater-Wynn.

It also includes biographies and photographs of the 30 authors, reading activities, summaries of the authors’ intentions in writing their selections, visual elements, and a glossary of literary terms.Comment:  From the samples I saw, "anthology" would be a better term than "graphic novella/memoir." Not sure how a book can be a novella or a memoir if it's a collection of works from 30 authors.

For more on Native children's books, see Proud to Be a Blacksheep, School Reverses True Diary Ban, and Young-Adult Fiction Too Dark?