stephisbranded's review against another edition
5.0
A really interesting graphic novel that talks about a part of history that I never even knew about.
beccabou's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A super short graphic novel. Lots of action and embedded culture and history for the Dene and Japanese people.
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series has my heart. It’s heartwarming, emotional, action packed, and Tłįcho Dene cultural teachings portrayed in a beautiful, soft way.
This first book in the series focuses on Sonny and Shinobu, where Shinobu comes to the Northwest Territories to reclaim his grandfather’s samurai sword and armour. What follows is a wonderful coming together of people in a peaceful way that fosters connection and respect, rather than anger and discord.
Thank you so much HighWater Press for this gifted copy!
This first book in the series focuses on Sonny and Shinobu, where Shinobu comes to the Northwest Territories to reclaim his grandfather’s samurai sword and armour. What follows is a wonderful coming together of people in a peaceful way that fosters connection and respect, rather than anger and discord.
Thank you so much HighWater Press for this gifted copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cancer, Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, and Violence
helenareadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
4.5
The Spirit of Denendeh series of graphic novels by Richard Van Camp, Scott B. Henderson, and Donovan Yaciuk explores the interconnected lives of Tłı̨chǫ Dene people living in Fort Smith, NWT, a town in Northern Canada. Each book has a different focus but they all touch on themes of culture, community, and healing.
Volume 1, A Blanket of Butterflies, is based on a true story of a mysterious suit of Japanese armour that was brought to a museum in Fort Smith in 1994. Little is known about the origins of the armour, and the creators of this comic speculate about its origins and journey to the NWT. They do so in a respectful manner that addresses the connections between Dene communities, Japanese Canadians, and World War II. This book tells a beautiful story about family and repatriation with amazing art.
Extra context is provided at the back of the book to further explain aspects of the story that are based on real cultures, and it was great to read about the intentional choices made in telling this story.
Volume 1, A Blanket of Butterflies, is based on a true story of a mysterious suit of Japanese armour that was brought to a museum in Fort Smith in 1994. Little is known about the origins of the armour, and the creators of this comic speculate about its origins and journey to the NWT. They do so in a respectful manner that addresses the connections between Dene communities, Japanese Canadians, and World War II. This book tells a beautiful story about family and repatriation with amazing art.
Extra context is provided at the back of the book to further explain aspects of the story that are based on real cultures, and it was great to read about the intentional choices made in telling this story.
ness's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
chelsearm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
goldentortoisebeetle's review against another edition
I went into this book having no idea what to expect. The premise seemed fantastical, strange. I didn't understand how the pieces would fit together.
At the end, everything made sense. Everything came together really, really beautifully. I teared up. It's a short book so I can't say much more than that. I recommend you read this.
At the end, everything made sense. Everything came together really, really beautifully. I teared up. It's a short book so I can't say much more than that. I recommend you read this.
ladykatka's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
It starts very fast but changes pace just as quickly. It is a very short story which makes the characters under developed and their attitude change instantaneous. I wish there had been more time to develop the characters because the story is good and the lessons about community and relationships to others is a good one.
btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
Minor: War, Child death, and Cancer