waterviolite's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A historical fiction picture book of Jacques Cartier's arrival in Gaspé Bay in 1534, based on his notes and imagined by an Anishinabeg author and professor of Indigenous history. While the author's reflection and historical note talk about the problems with colonialism, the text itself shows only a peaceful meeting and the start of a friendship between "Sailor" (Cartier) and "Fisher" (an Indigenous fisherman).
momwrex's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful book, written and illustrated by authentic voices. The author is of Anishinaabe descent. The illustrator is of Tlingit descent. The simple story engages dual perspectives. The author's note and historical note at the end expand on the story in significant ways.
circleofreadersdruid's review
5.0
Michaela Goade is such a talented artist. I love every single one of her books, and Encounter is no exception. Truth be told, I only wanted to read it because of her art, the story was secondary. And then, I liked it. I really, really liked it. The way Brittany Luby points out the similarities between the two men, the way the animals react to their meeting and interest in each other, the way the sun is a friendly and caring being that nurtures its charges… Toward the middle, I began to think, “But this is wrong! This can’t be what happened at all.” And then I came to the authors note. This is part of it:
“This peaceful encounter does not forgive Jacques Cartier for his violent actions. Instead, it reminds us that that violence is a choice. It also shows us that everyday people, like Sailor, can participate in systems that hurt others… it is vital to learn about where our food, water, and housing originate to ensure that we are not displacing others in serving ourselves.”
“This peaceful encounter does not forgive Jacques Cartier for his violent actions. Instead, it reminds us that that violence is a choice. It also shows us that everyday people, like Sailor, can participate in systems that hurt others… it is vital to learn about where our food, water, and housing originate to ensure that we are not displacing others in serving ourselves.”
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
A book that must be read with the backmatter and a thorough discussion.
heisereads's review against another edition
5.0
The key to this book is going to be reading parts of the author's reflection and historical note in the back matter after sharing it with kids to add the depth and perspective of why it was written the way it was and the deeper message that is grounded in the colonizer history of North America. Gorgeously illustrated and beautifully told through animal/nature perspectives (fitting for a Native story), this book by two First Nations #ownvoices creators, is the type of addition we need to the books we have available to share during November or Indigenous People's (Columbus) Day or during those 5th grade explorers units.
little_silver's review against another edition
5.0
Do not miss the back matter- without it, this lovely story may give incorrect impressions.
theybedax's review against another edition
3.0
I don't quite know how I feel about this book. I appreciate the art, the message, and the information in the back. What I struggle with is another book that makes colonization a friendly merging of souls instead of the holocaust perpetuated against indigenous people of which no true change has happened to better their ancestors lives. Like I said, not quite sure how I should feel about this book.