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Nathan
Ten-year-old Nathan has a number of big challenges to overcome. One is the school bully who delights in tormenting him. Another is Nathan's Grampa who has Alzheimer's. When Grampa moves in with Nathan, he introduces him to part of his heritage he knew nothing a First Nations ancestor whose story of hope inspires Nathan to face himself, and the future.
- GenresCanada
152 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2016
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August 25, 2017
On the school yard, Adam is the bully in Nathan's life. With his beloved grandfather, Alzheimer's is the culprit, slowly robbing the experience and knowledge Nathan has only recently begun to explore.
As he and his new friend, Max, explore their surroundings, the menace of Adam's bullying hangs over them. But when he sees Adam being smacked by his father, he can no longer see his nemesis as just a one-sided bully. His life is not suddenly easier, but it is moving toward maturity.
Grampa moves in with the family, bringing Nathan's First Nations heritage from out of sight to front and center. When he listens to his grandfather's stories, and those of an elder who talks with his class, he learns crucial lessons in confidence and self-awareness. But he has some hard challenges ahead before he can internalize those lessons and turn his schoolyard nightmare around.
Nathan is not a story about the impact of residential schools or institutional racism. It is, rather, a gentle story about growing into a greater understanding of just how complex life is and how to deal with that. The detail of the boys' explorations, Grampa's stories and special connection with Nathan, and the guidance of loving parents round out this special story. Be sure to read the interview in the back to learn more about Ouriou's motivation for writing a story that rings true.
As he and his new friend, Max, explore their surroundings, the menace of Adam's bullying hangs over them. But when he sees Adam being smacked by his father, he can no longer see his nemesis as just a one-sided bully. His life is not suddenly easier, but it is moving toward maturity.
Grampa moves in with the family, bringing Nathan's First Nations heritage from out of sight to front and center. When he listens to his grandfather's stories, and those of an elder who talks with his class, he learns crucial lessons in confidence and self-awareness. But he has some hard challenges ahead before he can internalize those lessons and turn his schoolyard nightmare around.
Nathan is not a story about the impact of residential schools or institutional racism. It is, rather, a gentle story about growing into a greater understanding of just how complex life is and how to deal with that. The detail of the boys' explorations, Grampa's stories and special connection with Nathan, and the guidance of loving parents round out this special story. Be sure to read the interview in the back to learn more about Ouriou's motivation for writing a story that rings true.
Displaying 1 of 1 review