The Scout: Tommy Prince

Tales from Big Spirit

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

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

Genres: Graphic Novels, Indigenous, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir

30 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON 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.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Tales from Big Spirit series for me (not sure if there is an intended order to read them in, but I've read them all now anyway, and I had no issues as a result of my order). Tommy Prince was an interesting man, and Robertson does a great job of bringing him to life.

I recommend this book individually, but I also recommend the whole series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this series was a very creative and interesting way to present history. As an adult, I didn't need the framing device of the modern youth at the beginning and end, but I can see why that would appeal to the target audience. Very well done!

[Meepelous · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of Indigenous Comic Book Month 2017.
To be completely honest, what with the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge coming up, my patience for the total inequality in remembrance is really wearing thin. So this may not have been the right time to try and read this, but there were still quite a few things to appreciate. Namely the way in which Robertson does not shy away from showing the racism that Tommy Prince faced.

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little biography about a great solider! I definitely learned something. Glad this is part of the series and hope that teachers use it in their classes!

[Colleen Villasenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Tommy Prince, First Nations man who became a hero in WWII. His hunting and tracking experience with his father made him uniquely qualified to be a scout and sharpshooter in the Army. In spite of prejudice at home, he joins the Army feeling like the uniform leveled the playing field racially. Because of his heroic and daring activities, he was one of only three soldiers to be awarded both the Military Medal and the Silver Star. In spite of all this, once he returned home he was not allowed to vote or receive veteran's benefits unless he gave up his Indian status. He continued living a quiet life, but even then, acted heroically to save a drowning man. This is a touching story and a true example of courage and pride.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fan of Highwater Press, Robertson (Cree) and Henderson who as publisher and creative team have written and illustrated several indigenous stories.

Tommy Prince is a war hero and I would recommend the book to senior elementary history students. I’m looking forward to the other books in the Tales from Big Spirit series.

[Dee Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic piece of Indigenous Canadian history.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Canadian History !

[Wakeen]

muy bien

[Cupof Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short history lesson on a famous Winnipeg figure. I am looking forward to the rest of this series :)