The Scout - (Tales from Big Spirit) by David A Robertson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A search down a wooded path for a well-hit baseball turns into an encounter between Pamela and a veteran soldier standing in front of a monument. The statue commemorates the heroism of Sgt. Tommy Prince, the most decorated Aboriginal soldier in Canada. Pamela is curious, and the veteran is happy to regale her with the story of the expert marksman and tracker, renowned for his daring and bravery in World War II and the Korean War.

The Scout is one book in the Tales from Big Spirit series. Tales from Big Spirit is a unique seven-book graphic novel series that delves into the stories of seven great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history--some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4-6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.

Review Quotes

Among 13 Canadian books to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day

-- "CBC Books"

The Scout: Tommy Prince is a wonderfully illustrated full-colour graphic novel that through images and words, portrays the emotions and experiences of Tommy Prince. Its impact on young readers, including university students, provides grounds for discussion and an engaging visual connection to human experience. It is a definite must-read, that is both accessible and engaging while offering a lesson about the past and engaging with the present. As part of a larger series called, Tales From the Big Spirit, that highlight the lives of other important Indigenous people, The Scout: Tommy Prince, ably brings an important Anishinaabe hero from Brokenhead First Nation to the fore.

--Karl Hele "Anishinabek News"

About the Author

David A. Robertson is an award-winning writer. His books include When We Were Alone (winner Governor General's Literary Award), Will I See? (winner Manuela Dias Book Design and Illustration Award Graphic Novel Category), Betty, The Helen Betty Osborne Story (listed In The Margins), and the YA novel Strangers. David educates as well as entertains through his writings about Indigenous Peoples in Canada, reflecting their cultures, histories, communities, as well as illuminating many contemporary issues. David is a member of Norway House Cree Nation. He lives in Winnipeg.

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.