Will I See?

Will I See? follows May, an Indigenous teen who receives a gift from her grandmother - a pair of traditional beaded shoes. Through this gift, May begins to learn about her culture and connects with teachings from her Kokum. When May encounters a cat in her neighborhood, she starts to witness supernatural events that lead her on an unexpected journey through the city streets. Her experiences force her to confront difficult realities affecting Indigenous women and girls in urban environments. The graphic novel's stark black and white illustrations by GMB Chomichuk complement Robertson's spare narrative style. The story moves between present reality and spiritual elements, incorporating traditional Indigenous knowledge and symbolism. This work addresses violence against Indigenous women while exploring themes of family connections, cultural inheritance, and the intersection between past and present. The narrative connects personal and societal experiences through both real and metaphorical elements.

Readers describe Will I See? as an impactful graphic novel that addresses violence against Indigenous women through a teen protagonist's story. The book resonates with both young adult and adult readers. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of Indigenous culture and traditions - GMB Chomichuk's black and white illustrations - The balance of heavy themes with moments of hope - Its effectiveness as an educational tool Common criticisms: - Story feels rushed at 56 pages - Some found the narrative confusing on first read - Wanted more character development Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (227 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Addresses difficult topics without being overwhelming" - Goodreads reviewer "The artwork complements the story's dark themes" - Amazon reviewer "Could have been longer to fully develop the story" - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Author David A. Robertson is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and has written over 25 books across multiple genres 🎨 The book features striking artwork by GMB Chomichuk, who uses a noir-influenced style to blend Indigenous themes with urban landscapes 📖 Will I See? was inspired by real-world issues facing Indigenous women and girls in Canada, particularly the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) 🏆 The graphic novel won the 2017 Manitoba Book Award for Best Illustrated Book 🦋 Throughout the story, butterflies appear as a symbolic element representing transformation and the spiritual connection between generations of Indigenous women