The Scout: Tommy Prince

by David A. Robertson, Scott B. Henderson (Illustrator)

Overview

A search down a wooded path for a well-hit baseball turns into an encounter between Pamela and a veteran soldier standing in front of a monument. The statue commemorates the heroism of Sgt. Tommy Prince, the most decorated Aboriginal soldier in Canada. Pamela is curious, and the veteran is happy to regale her with the story of the expert marksman and tracker, renowned for his daring and bravery in World War II and the Korean War.

The Scout is one book in the Tales from Big Spirit series. Tales from Big Spirit is a unique seven-book graphic novel series that delves into the stories of seven great Indigenous heroes from Canadian history—some already well known and others who deserve to be. Designed to correspond to grades 4–6 social studies curriculums across Canada, these full colour graphic novels could be used in literature circles, novel studies, and book clubs to facilitate discussion of social studies topics. These books will help students make historical connections while promoting important literacy skills.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781553794783
Publisher:	Portage & Main Press
Publication date:	03/14/2014
Series:	Tales from Big Spirit , #6
Pages:	30
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.12(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

David A. Robertson (he/him/his) is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

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 (Métis 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.

Editorial Reviews

Among 13 Canadian books to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day

CBC Books

The Scout: Tommy Prince is a wonderfully illustrated full-colour graphic novel that through images and words, portrays the emotions and experiences of Tommy Prince. Its impact on young readers, including university students, provides grounds for discussion and an engaging visual connection to human experience. It is a definite must-read, that is both accessible and engaging while offering a lesson about the past and engaging with the present. As part of a larger series called, Tales From the Big Spirit, that highlight the lives of other important Indigenous people, The Scout: Tommy Prince, ably brings an important Anishinaabe hero from Brokenhead First Nation to the fore.

Anishinabek News - Karl Hele