Rabbit chase

"Columbus didn't discover America . . . If I could space-time travel, I'd stop him before he even got here," says Aimée, a nonbinary Anishinaabe middle-schooler. This handily encapsulates the story's tone, which is poised between fantasy and the very real isolation of a bullied child. Embarking on a dreamlike Indigenous spiritual journey through the environs of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Aimée detours from their field trip to follow a white rabbit Trickster into battle with the land-grabbing Queen. The recognizable highlights of Lewis Carroll's surreal adventure make for an excellent way into what will be unfamiliar cultural ground for many young readers. Even as this engages with several significant and timely social issues (race, gender, bullying) in an accessible way, it also opens a window to seldom explored tribal cultures. The warm art highlights endearing characterizations, vast expanses of nature, and a realistically wide array of skin tones. The remote Aimée finally finds the solution to their spiritual conundrum in cooperation and companionship, encouraging young readers to value these instincts on their own adventures.

Gr 5--8--In this debut graphic novel, Aimée, an Anishinaabe nonbinary student, is visiting the Petroglphs with their school's Indigenous Students Association to make offerings to the Paayehnsag, water spirits who trust only the young. Feeling increasingly isolated, Aimée, the target of bullies because of their pronouns, wanders off in the forest and encounters a white rabbit who can talk and read minds. Referring to the changing landscape and the presence of bulldozers, the rabbit warns that things will become dire "if we can't stop our land from being signed away." The rabbit implores Aimée to convince the Paayehnsag to help them fight the enemies in the dark waters. Thus begins a journey reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, with similar characters such as a tyrannical queen and an auntie who entertains around a table sporting a top hat. The inventive storytelling of this page-turner will entrance audiences. The author blends elements from this literary classic with aspects of Anishinaabe culture and vocabulary in an accessible manner. Translations are provided for reference. Oster's artwork has a fresh, contemporary feel that also gives voice to the traditional figures in Anishinaabe culture and reflects the changing landscape of the land. VERDICT A moving graphic novel that touches on identity and cultural legacy, and representation that is sure to impact young readers.--Claire Moore