Published: 2021
Series: N/A
Author: Thomas King
Illustrator: Natasha Donovan
Genres: Graphic Novel, Social Justice, Middle Grade, Indigenous, Young Adult, Comics, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Native American
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 7-9 (Middle School / Early High School)
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: Borders
Triggers / Content Warnings: Family Relationships, institutional erasure, bureaucratic tension.
Review By: Heather Kent
Publisher’s Summary:
A stunning graphic-novel adaptation based on the work of one of Canada’s most revered and bestselling authors.
On a trip to visit his older sister, who has moved away from the family home on the reserve to Salt Lake City, a young boy and his mother are posed a simple question with a not-so-simple answer. Are you Canadian, the border guards ask, or American?
“Blackfoot.”
And when border guards will not accept their citizenship, mother and son wind up trapped in an all-too-real limbo between nations that do not recognize who they are. A powerful graphic-novel adaptation of one of Thomas King’s most celebrated short stories, Borders explores themes of identity and belonging, and is a poignant depiction of the significance of a nation’s physical borders from an Indigenous perspective. This timeless story is brought to vibrant, piercing life by the singular vision of artist Natasha Donovan.
Review:
Borders by Thomas King is a graphic novel that I believe middle school students would enjoy and find thought-provoking. I enjoyed the work of Natasha Donovan. Her illustrations brought the story to life. This graphic novel offers a captivating journey into the themes of identity, belonging, and the intricacies of human relationships, all delivered with a touch of humor and charm. The plot revolves around a mother and her son embarking on a journey to cross the Canada-U.S. border, carrying a rather unconventional cargo. Along the way, they encounter a diverse array of characters who challenge their preconceived notions about borders and identity. As young readers, students will be reminded of the arbitrary nature of the lines that divide us and the profound impact they have on our lives.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- ELA (English Language Arts):
- Excellent tool for introducing graphic novel literacy. Students can analyze visual storytelling elements, panels, and text placement. It is also an ideal text for studying voice, perspective, and subtext.
- Social Studies / Civics:
- Connects seamlessly to units on border geography, Indigenous history, nationhood, sovereignty, and civil rights. It challenges students to rethink the definition of national boundaries.
- SEL (Social-Emotional Learning): Opens discussions regarding identity, dignity, unwavering self-worth, and navigating institutional systemic pressures as a family unit.
- Extension Activity / Library Application:
- Perfect for use in school library book clubs or a classroom extension. Librarians can coordinate a “Mapping Identity” activity where students research the historic territories of local Indigenous nations versus current state/provincial lines, building a physical or digital map that reflects overlapping sovereign histories.
- Diversity & Representation:
- This text provides high-value representation by placing Indigenous identity and sovereignty at the forefront of a contemporary, realistic story. It accurately reflects the Blackfoot experience, showing a proud, modern family resisting erasure without reducing their narrative solely to trauma.
