The publishers recommend it for grades 11–post-secondary but, I could see a lot of uses for excerpts of it in earlier years. Highlights for me included Emma LaRocque’s poetry, particularly her poem on being Indigenous in academia and a piece of writing on the difference between being Aboriginal and being an Indian. As a classroom teacher teaching secondary humanities in British Columbia, I would keep this [book] on my shelf.

Starleigh continues with some great ideas how she would use Manitowapow in the classroom. Find these ideas at www.twinkleshappyplace.ca.

Manitowapow reaches bestseller status at McNally Robinson Bookseller at number five in the paperback fiction category. Congratulations to the authors and editors Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair and Warren Cariou.

McNally_Best_Manit_Apr2012

Robertson

David Alexander Robertson will be speaking at the Annual Saskatchewan Reading Conference. David will take an in-depth look at how the graphic novel can be used in the classroom and why it is such an excellent tool for educators. He will also discuss why the graphic novel is an ideal forum for sharing the Aboriginal experience with students. David will be presenting two sessions on Friday, March 30, at the Delta Regina, Lombardy Room C at 10:30-11:30 am and again at 1:15-2:15 pm.

For more information about this conference, please visit www.saskreading.org.

For more information about author David Alexander Robertson, please visit www.pandmpress.com.

Approved!

P&M Press is pleased to announce that Achieving Aboriginal Student Success is approved for teachers by School District #36 (Surrey, BC).

The resource was evaluated through a formalized school district learning resource local approval process. The process is based on specific criteria developed by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and includes content, instructional design, technical design, and social considerations.

To view inside or order a copy of Achieving Aboriginal Student Success please visit www.pandmpress.com.

Starleigh Grass writes in her blog, Twinkle’s Happy Place, that Sugar Falls

…does an excellent job of handing difficult material. It’s important for youth to understand the struggles that Aboriginal people have faced in order to survive and to read survival stories. This is based on a true story and the main character, Betsy, is definitely a role model. I would include this book in my classroom at the secondary level. Whether or not you choose to include this material depends on your own ability to navigate the policies in your district regarding difficult material in the classroom and your own comfort level…

Starleigh generously presents questions that can act as a springboards to discussion for your classroom. You can find these questions in her blog by clicking on www.twinkleshappyplace.blogspot.com.

On behalf of P&M Press, thank you to all those involved in making the Feb. 3rd  book launch for Manitowapow successful. We extend our sincerest appreciation to all those involved in the inspiring, as well as, entertaining presentation.

photograph of contributors to Manitowapow

photograph taken by Aaron Pierre Photography, www.aaronpierre.com

with Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair and Warren Cariou

A BOOK LAUNCH FOR

Manitowapow
Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water

Date: Friday, February 3, 2012
Time: Reading at 7:30 pm, followed by Reception & Book Signing
Place: Glass Atrium, The Forks Market, Winnipeg, Manitoba

This anthology of Aboriginal writings from Manitoba is a rich collection of stories, poetry, nonfiction, speeches, and more!

Download a pdf of the invitation by clicking on Manitowapow_invite

with Author David Alexander Robertson and Illustrator Scott B. Henderson

A BOOK LAUNCH FOR

Sugar Falls
A Residential School Story

Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012
Time: Reading at 7:30 pm, Reception and Book Signing to follow
Place: McNally Robinson Booksellers, Grant Park Shopping Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

BASED ON A TRUE STORY
Sugar Falls is an intimate and powerful graphic novel. The tragic and stirring story of one residential school survivor is told to Daniel, a young boy.

Download a pdf of the invitation by clicking on  SF-invite (3)

according to Girl to the Rescue, a literary blog that reviews mostly young adult literature, children’s books, graphic novels, and fantasy.  In this blog, the writer points out that

the splicing of the past with the present is the most effective part of the series, where Edwin must experience a passed history by reliving it through story. For the reader, this is made clear because of the format of the graphic novel. The reader sees the seamless weaving together of past and present, which is made most explicit by frame-by-frame representations that highlight the synchronicity between the two.

To continue reading this post, please click here.

To order the 7 Generations titles, visit www.pandmpress.com.

The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation commemoration event will be held on November 13, 2011 at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, The Pas, Manitoba. Please download the schedule of events by clicking here.