Fire Starters - by Jennifer Storm (Paperback)

About the Book

This graphic novel for teen readers examines the importance of truth.

Book Synopsis

Fire Starters tackles restorative justice on a contemporary reserve in Northwestern Ontario.

When two white teenagers accidentally set fire to a gas station, their Indigenous classmates are wrongly accused. The truth slowly comes to light as contrasting systems of justice are explored--both the traditional ways of the community and Canadian law enforcement.

Fire Starters explores prejudice, racism, and what reconciliation could look like, "moving it from a concept to [an] on-the-ground example of what reconciliation could mean, in action, in a small community" (Debbie Reese).

Review Quotes

A cautionary tale about the consequences of prejudice and racism, Fire Starters is a valuable addition to conversations about the importance of reconciliation and the power of the truth.--Roseanne Gauthier "The National Reading Campaign"

Among recommended Indigenous titles for building an Inclusive Graphic Novel Collection

-- "Booklist"

Among CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens list(2017)

-- "The Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC)"

With her story, Jen moves reconciliation from a concept to an on-the-ground example of what reconciliation could mean, in action. I recommend Jen Storm's Fire Starters. There's a lot to study, think about, and of course, talk about.

--Debbie Reese "American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL)"

Selected as an AIYLA Honor Book-- "American Indian Youth Literature Award (AIYLA)"

About the Author

Jen Storm is an Ojibway writer from the Couchiching First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jennifer completed Deadly Loyalties, her first novel, at age fourteen. Fire Starters is Jen's first graphic novel.

Scott Henderson has worked as an illustrator for comics, portraiture, and advertising art. He is author/illustrator of the sci-fi/fantasy comic, The Chronicles of Era and has illustrated two comics for the Canadian Air Force's For Valour series, the bestselling graphic novel series 7 Generations, selected titles from the Tales From Big Spirit series, and the graphic novels, Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story and Eisner-award nominee, A Blanket of Butterflies.