Borders

Amazing graphic story for older children about Native American contemporary experience!

4 stars — *snort* I don’t think I realized this was a children’s graphic novel, and then I’m thinking “wow, this is reading really fast.” Not that it matters, I can read children’s books if I want to…it just amused me.I really enjoyed that it told a story that was fraught with a lot of different issues, but from the boy’s POV, so it was mixed with normal kid thoughts — like how he often focused on food and treats and the fun aspects of a road trip. But you could still see his concern for his family as he remembered the past events of his sister leaving, and the struggle between his Mom and his sister.And then there’s the whole bit about citizenship. I think that’s something very hard for me as a white adult to fully embrace and understand. I don’t know what it is to feel like these things of my identity are taken away and I should fight for it. I don’t know what it is to have something that important that it is worth being stubborn about. A tiny part of me was still stuck thinking, what was the point? And I guess that’s kind of why it would be nice for this generation’s children to grow up reading books like this so they can question things earlier…and hopefully understand people who are different from you better — better than me. Which is not to say that I thought her resistance was silly, it’s just hard to get those nuances you know? Not sure if I’m making sense.ANYWAYS. As someone without children, I have NO IDEA about how a child would enjoy it. But the artistry is beautiful, in general the concepts are clear and straightforward, but provoke thought. And the little boy is easy to connect with.

Terrific graphic with a point of view from a First Nation POV. I'm a librarian in a small public school, bought this for our students, we have a waiting list!

This book was smart, and powerful, and touching. I read through it in one sitting and I went in blind; I knew next to nothing about it and it has stuck with me since I finished it..It tackles the idea of one's identity and how someone perceives someone else. It shows the value of sticking to your values, to who YOU are, no matter how uncomfortable it may make others. This simple story brings to light an issue that, unbeknownst to me, is a common conflict with Indigenous Peoples who believe that their citizenship lies primarily with their tribes, rather than country lines..This is an absolute MUST-read.

A clear and precise illustration style. A powerful story of people, place, and identity. I recommend Borders for graphic novel readers and those new to the medium.

This graphic novel has so much depth for such a short read, and a really powerful message. I loved reading it. I also love having it on my shelf. The illustrations are beautiful.

The original King short story is fascinating, nuanced, realistic, and important. This graphic novel, sadly, is just the most mechanical of adaptations, unconcerned with detail or realism, sanitizing the family's home and appearance, unconcerned with accuracy to the setting or era, and adding nothing at all to the text. Instead it undermines and lessens it by blocking a reader's imagination from doing a better job of visualizing the tale.