Pemmican Wars

In this YA graphic novel, an alienated Mtis girl learns about her peoples Canadian history. [...] A sparse, beautifully drawn story about a teen discovering her heritage. * Kirkus Reviews * Hendersons realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echos 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 Mtis communities. Hendersons artwork and Yaciuks 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 * Recognition is due Katherena Vermettes collaborators on Echo illustrator Scott B. Henderson and color artist Donovan Yaciuk. Because Echo speaks so seldom, its 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 * 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 * ...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 * 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 *

katherena vermette (she/her/hers) is a Red River Mtis (Michif) writer from Treaty 1 territory, the heart of the Mtis Nation, Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2013, her first book, North End Love Songs (The Muses Company) won the Governor Generals 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) is a freelance illustrator, whose reputation for cultural sensitivity and an openness to listen and learn has garnered a large body of work in collaboration with Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities. His work spans several critically acclaimed graphic novels, including 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga (Indigenous history & Residential Schools); A Girl Called Echo series (Mtis history); A Blanket of Butterflies (2016 Eisner Nomination); a short story in Marvel Voices: Pride #1 (2022); and the post-apocalypse graphic novel, Last Breeds (fall 2024). Scott is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. He resides in Winnipeg with his partner. 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.