Awards

• Nominated for In The Margins Fiction Recommended Book List 2019
• Winner of Prix Aurora-Boréal, Meilleure bande dessinée 2022

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9781553796787

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Reviews

A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage. - Kirkus Reviews The carefully constructed panels and sparse, meaningful dialogue skillfully remind us the past is never truly in the past but constantly living with us in the present. A Girl Called Echo is a series to watch. - Alicia Elliott, THIS Magazine The graphic novel delves into a time period that many readers may know little about, offering particular resonance by connecting the past to a contemporary teen. Using only sparse text, the artist brilliantly includes details that give the story depth and specificity, not only in terms of the representation of the M tis nation, but also in Echo's family dynamics and the intensity of her loneliness and isolation. Strong use of comics technique, a unique examination of a fascinating time of history, and the thoughtful narration by an aboriginal teen make this a must-read and a strong classroom or library choice. - Meghann Meeusen, VOYA Magazine Henderson's realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo's daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures. - Booklist Vermette expertly juxtaposes the isolation of an aboriginal teen in the current day with the emphasis on working together in traditional M tis communities. Henderson's artwork and Yaciuk's colours help to emphasize the differences between the past and present, as gorgeous prairie panoramas in vibrant hues contrast with crowded, dingy hallways and buses. [...] This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the second volume of the series. - Roseanne Gauthier, National Reading Campaign Pemmican Wars is a short but ambitious graphic novel. Katherena Vermette's narrative runs on two levels: one is the story of a 13-year-old facing a number of life challenges (isolation within her school environment, a fractured relationship with her mother, and a search for identification with her M tis heritage), and the other being an historical account of decades of conflict between the M tis and the commercial interests and settlers of the area which became the Red River Colony. Compared to many graphic novels I have read, Pemmican Wars is not text-intensive; Echo is often monosyllabic in her responses, and the only teacher with dialogue is her history teacher. However, Henderson's drawings and Yaciuk's colourations combine powerfully in graphics which carry both narratives. The scenes of the buffalo hunt, life in the hunting camp, and the confrontation at Seven Oaks are vibrantly-coloured, conveying the intensity of the action, events, and family life of the M tis. [...] Recommended. - Joanne Peters, CM Magazine

The carefully constructed panels and sparse, meaningful dialogue skillfully remind us the past is never truly in the past but constantly living with us in the present. A Girl Called Echo is a series to watch. - Alicia Elliott, THIS Magazine The graphic novel delves into a time period that many readers may know little about, offering particular resonance by connecting the past to a contemporary teen. Using only sparse text, the artist brilliantly includes details that give the story depth and specificity, not only in terms of the representation of the M tis nation, but also in Echo's family dynamics and the intensity of her loneliness and isolation. Strong use of comics technique, a unique examination of a fascinating time of history, and the thoughtful narration by an aboriginal teen make this a must-read and a strong classroom or library choice. - Meghann Meeusen, VOYA Magazine A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage. - Kirkus Reviews Henderson's realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo's daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures. - Booklist Vermette expertly juxtaposes the isolation of an aboriginal teen in the current day with the emphasis on working together in traditional M tis communities. Henderson's artwork and Yaciuk's colours help to emphasize the differences between the past and present, as gorgeous prairie panoramas in vibrant hues contrast with crowded, dingy hallways and buses. [...] This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the second volume of the series. - Roseanne Gauthier, National Reading Campaign Pemmican Wars is a short but ambitious graphic novel. Katherena Vermette's narrative runs on two levels: one is the story of a 13-year-old facing a number of life challenges (isolation within her school environment, a fractured relationship with her mother, and a search for identification with her M tis heritage), and the other being an historical account of decades of conflict between the M tis and the commercial interests and settlers of the area which became the Red River Colony. Compared to many graphic novels I have read, Pemmican Wars is not text-intensive; Echo is often monosyllabic in her responses, and the only teacher with dialogue is her history teacher. However, Henderson's drawings and Yaciuk's colourations combine powerfully in graphics which carry both narratives. The scenes of the buffalo hunt, life in the hunting camp, and the confrontation at Seven Oaks are vibrantly-coloured, conveying the intensity of the action, events, and family life of the M tis. [...] Recommended. - Joanne Peters, CM Magazine

"In this YA graphic novel, an alienated Métis girl learns about her people's Canadian history. [...] A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM) Strong use of comics technique, a unique examination of a fascinating time of history, and the thoughtful narration by an aboriginal teen make this a must-read and a strong classroom or library choice.--Meghann Meeusen ""VOYA Magazine"" Henderson's realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo's daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures.-- ""Booklist"" Vermette expertly juxtaposes the isolation of an aboriginal teen in the current day with the emphasis on working together in traditional Métis communities. Henderson's artwork and Yaciuk's colours help to emphasize the differences between the past and present, as gorgeous prairie panoramas in vibrant hues contrast with crowded, dingy hallways and buses. [...] This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the second volume of the series.--Roseanne Gauthier ""National Reading Campaign"" ...feelings of alienation, of loneliness, of not belonging, either at home or at school, are experienced by both genders and those teens - male or female - who eat their lunch alone and wander the halls without friends will understand Echo's plight. Recommended.--Joanne Peters ""CM Magazine"" (12/22/2017 12:00:00 AM) Recognition is due Katherena Vermette's collaborators on Echo - illustrator Scott B. Henderson and color artist Donovan Yaciuk. Because Echo speaks so seldom, it's on the illustrations to convey key details about her life. And they do so with subtlety and grace! --Jean Mendoza ""American Indians in Children's Literature"""

The graphic novel delves into a time period that many readers may know little about, offering particular resonance by connecting the past to a contemporary teen. Using only sparse text, the artist brilliantly includes details that give the story depth and specificity, not only in terms of the representation of the Metis nation, but also in Echo's family dynamics and the intensity of her loneliness and isolation. Strong use of comics technique, a unique examination of a fascinating time of history, and the thoughtful narration by an aboriginal teen make this a must-read and a strong classroom or library choice.--Meghann Meeusen VOYA Magazine In this YA graphic novel, an alienated Metis girl learns about her people's Canadian history. [...] A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage.-- (02/28/2018) Henderson's realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo's daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures.--Booklist Vermette expertly juxtaposes the isolation of an aboriginal teen in the current day with the emphasis on working together in traditional Metis communities. Henderson's artwork and Yaciuk's colours help to emphasize the differences between the past and present, as gorgeous prairie panoramas in vibrant hues contrast with crowded, dingy hallways and buses. [...] This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the second volume of the series.--Roseanne Gauthier National Reading Campaign ...feelings of alienation, of loneliness, of not belonging, either at home or at school, are experienced by both genders and those teens - male or female - who eat their lunch alone and wander the halls without friends will understand Echo's plight Although I think that Pemmican Wars is a book which will find its greatest readership amongst students with Metis or Indigenous heritage, those who are the descendants of settlers will be offered a new perspective with this book. -- (12/22/2017) Pemmican Wars is a short but ambitious graphic novel. Katherena Vermette's narrative runs on two levels: one is the story of a 13-year-old facing a number of life challenges (isolation within her school environment, a fractured relationship with her mother, and a search for identification with her Metis heritage), and the other being an historical account of decades of conflict between the Metis and the commercial interests and settlers of the area which became the Red River Colony. Compared to many graphic novels I have read, Pemmican Wars is not text-intensive; Echo is often monosyllabic in her responses, and the only teacher with dialogue is her history teacher. However, Henderson's drawings and Yaciuk's colourations combine powerfully in graphics which carry both narratives. The scenes of the buffalo hunt, life in the hunting camp, and the confrontation at Seven Oaks are vibrantly-coloured, conveying the intensity of the action, events, and family life of the Metis. [...] Recommended. --Joanne Peters CM Magazine Recognition is due Katherena Vermette's collaborators on Echo - illustrator Scott B. Henderson and color artist Donovan Yaciuk. Because Echo speaks so seldom, it's on the illustrations to convey key details about her life. And they do so with subtlety and grace! For example, the letters WPG on the front of a bus Echo rides signal that she's in Winnipeg. Or so I'm told. -Jean Mendoza, American Indians in Children's Literature The carefully constructed panels and sparse, meaningful dialogue skillfully remind us the past is never truly in the past but constantly living with us in the present. A Girl Called Echo is a series to watch. - Alicia Elliott, THIS Magazine

The carefully constructed panels and sparse, meaningful dialogue skillfully remind us the past is never truly in the past but constantly living with us in the present. A Girl Called Echo is a series to watch. - Alicia Elliott, THIS Magazine A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage. - Kirkus Reviews Henderson's realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo's daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures. - Booklist Pemmican Wars is a short but ambitious graphic novel. Katherena Vermette's narrative runs on two levels: one is the story of a 13-year-old facing a number of life challenges (isolation within her school environment, a fractured relationship with her mother, and a search for identification with her M tis heritage), and the other being an historical account of decades of conflict between the M tis and the commercial interests and settlers of the area which became the Red River Colony. Compared to many graphic novels I have read, Pemmican Wars is not text-intensive; Echo is often monosyllabic in her responses, and the only teacher with dialogue is her history teacher. However, Henderson's drawings and Yaciuk's colourations combine powerfully in graphics which carry both narratives. The scenes of the buffalo hunt, life in the hunting camp, and the confrontation at Seven Oaks are vibrantly-coloured, conveying the intensity of the action, events, and family life of the M tis. [...] Recommended. - Joanne Peters, CM Magazine The graphic novel delves into a time period that many readers may know little about, offering particular resonance by connecting the past to a contemporary teen. Using only sparse text, the artist brilliantly includes details that give the story depth and specificity, not only in terms of the representation of the M tis nation, but also in Echo's family dynamics and the intensity of her loneliness and isolation. Strong use of comics technique, a unique examination of a fascinating time of history, and the thoughtful narration by an aboriginal teen make this a must-read and a strong classroom or library choice. - Meghann Meeusen, VOYA Magazine Vermette expertly juxtaposes the isolation of an aboriginal teen in the current day with the emphasis on working together in traditional M tis communities. Henderson's artwork and Yaciuk's colours help to emphasize the differences between the past and present, as gorgeous prairie panoramas in vibrant hues contrast with crowded, dingy hallways and buses. [...] This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the second volume of the series. - Roseanne Gauthier, National Reading Campaign

Henderson's realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo's daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures.-- Booklist (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM) In this YA graphic novel, an alienated Metis girl learns about her people's Canadian history. [...] A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage.-- Kirkus Reviews (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM) The graphic novel delves into a time period that many readers may know little about, offering particular resonance by connecting the past to a contemporary teen. Using only sparse text, the artist brilliantly includes details that give the story depth and specificity, not only in terms of the representation of the Metis nation, but also in Echo's family dynamics and the intensity of her loneliness and isolation. Strong use of comics technique, a unique examination of a fascinating time of history, and the thoughtful narration by an aboriginal teen make this a must-read and a strong classroom or library choice.--Meghann Meeusen VOYA Magazine (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM) Vermette expertly juxtaposes the isolation of an aboriginal teen in the current day with the emphasis on working together in traditional Metis communities. Henderson's artwork and Yaciuk's colours help to emphasize the differences between the past and present, as gorgeous prairie panoramas in vibrant hues contrast with crowded, dingy hallways and buses. [...] This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the second volume of the series.--Roseanne Gauthier National Reading Campaign (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM) The carefully constructed panels and sparse, meaningful dialogue skillfully remind us the past is never truly in the past but constantly living with us in the present. A Girl Called Echo is a series to watch. - Alicia Elliott, THIS Magazine Recognition is due Katherena Vermette's collaborators on Echo - illustrator Scott B. Henderson and color artist Donovan Yaciuk. Because Echo speaks so seldom, it's on the illustrations to convey key details about her life. And they do so with subtlety and grace! For example, the letters WPG on the front of a bus Echo rides signal that she's in Winnipeg. Or so I'm told. -Jean Mendoza, American Indians in Children's Literature Pemmican Wars is a short but ambitious graphic novel. Katherena Vermette's narrative runs on two levels: one is the story of a 13-year-old facing a number of life challenges (isolation within her school environment, a fractured relationship with her mother, and a search for identification with her Metis heritage), and the other being an historical account of decades of conflict between the Metis and the commercial interests and settlers of the area which became the Red River Colony. Compared to many graphic novels I have read, Pemmican Wars is not text-intensive; Echo is often monosyllabic in her responses, and the only teacher with dialogue is her history teacher. However, Henderson's drawings and Yaciuk's colourations combine powerfully in graphics which carry both narratives. The scenes of the buffalo hunt, life in the hunting camp, and the confrontation at Seven Oaks are vibrantly-coloured, conveying the intensity of the action, events, and family life of the Metis. [...] Recommended. --Joanne Peters CM Magazine (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM) ...feelings of alienation, of loneliness, of not belonging, either at home or at school, are experienced by both genders and those teens - male or female - who eat their lunch alone and wander the halls without friends will understand Echo's plight Although I think that Pemmican Wars is a book which will find its greatest readership amongst students with Metis or Indigenous heritage, those who are the descendants of settlers will be offered a new perspective with this book. --Joanne Peters CM Association (12/22/2017 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

katherena vermette (she/her/hers) is a Red River Métis (Michif) writer from Treaty 1 territory, the heart of the Métis Nation, Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2013, her first book, North End Love Songs (The Muses’ Company) won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry. Since then, her work has garnered awards and critical accolades across genres. Her novels The Break (House of Anansi) and The Strangers (Hamish Hamilton) were both national best sellers and won multiple literary awards. She is the author of numerous other bestselling titles, including the A Girl Called Echo series (HighWater Press) and the Seven Teachings Stories series (HighWater Press). Scott B. Henderson (he/him/his) is author/artist of the sci-fi/fantasy comic The Chronicles of Era and has illustrated select titles in the Tales From Big Spirit series, as well as the A Girl Called Echo, The Reckoner Rises, and 7 Generations series. He is also the artist for AIYLA Honour Book Fire Starters, Eisner Award–nominee A Blanket of Butterflies, and select stories in This Place: 150 Years Retold. In 2016, he was the recipient of the C4 Central Canada Comic Con Storyteller Award. Find Scott on social media with @ouroboros09. Since 1998, Donovan Yaciuk (he/him/his) has coloured books published by Marvel, DC, Dark Horse comics, and HighWater Press including the A Girl Called Echo and The Reckoner Rises series, as well as select stories in 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, Manitoba, Canada, with his wife and two daughters.

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