Visions of the Crow

February 15, 2023
A First Nations teen finds himself swept into a metaphysical exploration of self-discovery. Damon Quinn, who has a M�tis father and Cree mother, doesn't really know who he is. His mother abuses alcohol, and he suffers constant torment from racist bullies in school; all Damon wants is to leave everything behind. Things start to change when a black crow begins following him around and new student Journey insists that she and Damon should stick together because they are both Indigenous. Initially unwilling and disoriented, Damon begins entering dreams that feel incredibly lifelike. In them, he learns from his ancestors about his cultural roots. Slowly, his curiosity helps him embrace these vivid dreams that contrast with the drabness of his waking life. Damon's emotional journey introduces the cultural and familial disruptions and intergenerational traumas from residential schools and other forms of colonization. Damon's relationships throughout the novel parallel his growing interest in his self-identity. He develops more empathy for his mother after meeting his ancestors and learning about their struggles. Friendship with Journey creates a safe space for Damon to be himself. Even his bully turns out to represent Damon's own past self-hate. At some points, the writing reads somewhat like a textbook, interrupting the flow of the story. The panels are simply and clearly drawn, and the colors vary from neutrals to deep jewel tones to amplify the scenes' emotions. An important story that doesn't completely deliver an engaging read. (Graphic fiction. 13-17)

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May 26, 2023

Gr 7 Up-Damon Quinn may seem like a hard protagonist to like at the beginning of this story. Readers will wonder why he seems so defensive and rough around the edges. But as it's revealed that Damon is dealing with racist bullying at school, tension at home with his mother, and financial insecurity, readers will understand that he has an uphill battle ahead of him. The good news is that he does have some allies, but the problem is that he keeps pushing them away. There's a new girl at school named Journey who keeps stepping in even though he doesn't want her to, and a mysterious crow has started following Damon around as well. As the story progresses, Damon starts to learn more about his identity. He learns that his mother is Cree, with family in Alberta, and his father, with whom Damon doesn't have a relationship, is M�tis. At the same time, Damon begins to have sleeping and waking dreams in which he visits his ancestors and learns even more about his Indigenous heritage. Through these visions, Damon gains a deeper understanding of how history shapes his life today, with an emphasis on tough topics like alcoholism, residential schools, and generational trauma, creating a path toward healing for Damon and his mother. The artwork features lots of earth tones, and the palette shifts as Damon moves back and forth between his dreams and the waking world. VERDICT A graphic novel recommended for teens interested in stories about social justice and the importance of family roots.-Andrea Lipinski

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