7 Generations - 2nd Edition by David A Robertson (Paperback)

About the Book

"Edwin, a Cree teenage boy, is struggling to feel connected to his family and his identity. From stories shared by his mother, Edwin learns about the history of his family, through the years of war, a smallpox epidemic, and residential schools, all the way through to the present and the conflicts Edwin faces in his own life. Edwin must confront the past to heal in the present--but can his father, scarred by his own residential school experience, heal in time to help Edwin? This special 15th anniversary edition brings together all four titles in the 7 Generations series, recoloured and relettered, with a preface from author David A. Robertson and an afterword from bestselling author Cherie Dimaline."--

Book Synopsis

From the bestselling author of The Misewa Saga and When We Were Alone comes a powerful young adult graphic novel that bridges the gap between history and the present. Collected in a stunning 15th-anniversary omnibus, 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga follows one family's journey over three centuries, exploring the enduring spirit of Indigenous culture and the complex layers of identity.

"[David A. Robertson] weaves an engrossing and unforgettable story with the precision of a historian and the colour of a true Indigenous storyteller."--Rosanna Deerchild

Through this epic narrative, a modern teenager named Edwin must confront the devastating realities of systemic racism, the legacy of residential schools, and his own intense struggles with mental illness. As he uncovers the history of his ancestors, Edwin undergoes an emotional and spiritual awakening, discovering that true healing lies in reclaiming his mental health, family bonds, and traditional spirituality.

Edwin is struggling to feel connected to his family and his identity. Through the stories shared by his mother, Edwin embarks on an epic journey through time, witnessing the legacy of the Plains Cree and their neighbours, the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot). As he learns about his ancestors, Edwin must confront the brutal realities of history--from the devastation of smallpox to the intergenerational trauma of residential schools.

Special 15th-anniversary edition features:

• Complete collection: Features all four original titles (Stone, Scars, Ends, and The Next Generation) collected together in a single stunning graphic omnibus.
• Enhanced visuals: Beautifully recoloured and relettered to bring the visceral illustrations to life for a new generation of readers.
• Exclusive content: Includes an insightful new foreword by author David A. Robertson and a moving afterword by bestselling YA author Cherie Dimaline (The Marrow Thieves).

Review Quotes

The newly released collected edition offers a powerful reminder of just how emotionally devastating, and quietly resonant, this story remains. It's been recoloured and relettered, which makes its message all the more powerful.

-- "Otaku No Culture, 5 out of 5 stars"

This is realistic fiction in its truest form. 7 Generations expertly shows readers how we are not separate from our history while reminding us that we have the power to heal our present and our future.

-- "Youth Services Book Review, 5 out of 5 stars"

A masterpiece of traditional knowledge; a powerful gift to share!

-- "Betty Ross, Elder, Cross Lake First Nation"

David weaves an engrossing and unforgettable story with the precision of a historian and the colour of a true Indigenous storyteller.

-- "Rosanna Deerchild, author of "This Is a Small Northern Town""

Healing lies in knowing our past, not just of our lives, but also the distant past of our ancestors. The interweaving movements from present to past and past to present are like waves of cleansing waters washing in to the present, and back out to that distant past. It's mesmerizing.

-- "Beatrice Mosionier, author of "In Search of April Raintree""

Reconciliation is about respect...and self-respect is where it starts. A good story is worth telling, and when told well is worth reading. Especially this one.

-- "Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada"