In this second volume of the Surviving the City series, we are reintroduced to friends Miikwan (Anishinaabe) and Dez (Inninew) as they navigate their lives and identities as Indigenous youth within an urban context. When Dez is arrested and racialized for vandalism, she is forced to face her Kookum’s recent death as well as come to terms with her own identity. Through friendship and community, and with the support of a compassionate Elder named Geraldine, Dez is able to learn about what it means to be Two-Spirit, alongside teachings about love, acceptance, and ceremony. The illustrations in this graphic novel skilfully intertwine contemporary life with dream memories and spirit imagery to enrich each character’s story. Containing mature themes including police violence and intergenerational trauma, this book is suited for secondary learners and could be used as a springboard for exploring these topics.

64 pp., 6.5 × 10", colour illustrations

Tasha Spillett (Inninewak and Trinidadian) • Natasha Donovan (Métis Nation of BC), illus.

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Tasha Spillett, PhD, (she/her/hers) is a New York Times bestselling author, educator, and public speaker who draws her strength from her Cree and Trinidadian bloodlines. Tasha’s work centers around the liberation and affirmation of BIPOC women and children. She acknowledges her unique opportunity and responsibility as an Afro-Indigenous woman to create learning environments that are culturally responsive. Infusing her teaching with cultural knowledge, Tasha supports and fosters belonging amongst BIPOC students and their families.

Tasha is the author of the award-winning graphic novel series, Surviving the City, the New York Times bestselling picture book, I Sang You Down from the Stars, and Beautiful You, Beautiful Me. Tasha weaves her cultural identity into both her trade and scholarly work focusing on issues affecting Indigenous women like calls for justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. Her work is a continuation of the resistance against the legacy of colonialism and a celebration of the beauty and brilliance of her ancestors.

Tasha Spillett's profile page

Natasha Donovan is the illustrator of the award-winning Mothers of Xsan series (written by Brett Huson). She illustrated the graphic novel Surviving the City (written by Tasha Spillett), which won a Manitoba Book Award and received an American Indian Youth Literature Award (AIYLA) honor. She also illustrated Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer which won an Orbis Pictus Honor Book and an American Indian Youth Literature Award (AIYLA). Natasha is Métis, and spent her early life in Vancouver, British Columbia. Although she moved to the United States to marry a mathematician, she prefers to keep her own calculations to the world of color and line. She lives in Washington. www.natashadonovan.com

Natasha Donovan's profile page

Since 1998, Donovan Yaciuk (he/him/his) has done colouring work on books published by Marvel, DC, Dark Horse comics, and High Water Press including A Girl Called Echo and Breakdown: Reckoner Rises series and This Place: 150 Years Retold. Donovan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of Manitoba and began his career as a part of the legendary, now-defunct Digital Chameleon colouring studio. He lives in Winnipeg, MB Canada, with his wife and two daughters.
 

Donovan Yaciuk's profile page

• Nominated, MYRCA Northern Lights
• Short-listed, Forest of Reading Red Maple Award
• Short-listed, Mary Scorer Award for Best Book by a Manitoba Publisher
• Short-listed, Carol Shields Winnipeg Book Award
• Short-listed, Indigenous Voices Award, Published Graphic Novels, Comics, and Illustrated Books in any Language
• Short-listed, McNally Robinson Book for Young People (Older Category)

Every single thing about these volumes is important. They are beautifully written, fantastically illustrated, at times heartbreaking, humourous, and rooted in Indigenous strength.

Dani @thunderbirdwomanreads

Moving and heartfelt, readers definitely will want to know what happens next.

The Globe and Mail

This story is so important. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous, and add so much depth to the story. This book is an essential addition to classroom and libraries.

Bit About Books

Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens list, designated a title of exceptional caliber

The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC)

Surviving the City and From the Roots Up are beautiful, poignant, and emotional. I highly recommend you read these graphic novels.

The Tiny Activist