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Encounter
A powerful imagining by two Native creators of a first encounter between two very different people that celebrates our ability to acknowledge difference and find common ground.
Based on the real journal kept by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534, Encounter imagines a first meeting between a French sailor and a Stadaconan fisher. As they navigate their differences, the wise animals around them note their similarities, illuminating common ground.
This extraordinary imagining by Brittany Luby, Professor of Indigenous History, is paired with stunning art by Michaela Goade, winner of 2018 American Indian Youth Literature Best Picture Book Award. Encounter is a luminous telling from two Indigenous creators that invites readers to reckon with the past, and to welcome, together, a future that is yet unchartered.
Based on the real journal kept by French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534, Encounter imagines a first meeting between a French sailor and a Stadaconan fisher. As they navigate their differences, the wise animals around them note their similarities, illuminating common ground.
This extraordinary imagining by Brittany Luby, Professor of Indigenous History, is paired with stunning art by Michaela Goade, winner of 2018 American Indian Youth Literature Best Picture Book Award. Encounter is a luminous telling from two Indigenous creators that invites readers to reckon with the past, and to welcome, together, a future that is yet unchartered.
34 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Luby
7 books10 followersBrittany Luby (Anishinaabe-kwe, atik totem) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the University of Guelph. Raised in the lands of Treaty 3, she is the many-greats granddaughter of Chief Kawitaskung, an Anishinaabe leader who signed the North-West Angle Treaty of 1873. Her family originates from Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation formerly known as Dalles First Nation (Ochiichagwe’Babigo’Ining Ojibway Nation). She specializes in Anishinaabe-settler relations in what is now known as northwestern Ontario.
Brittany seeks to stimulate public discussion of Indigenous issues through her work. She now lives on Territories cared for under the Dish with One Spoon Covenant.
Brittany seeks to stimulate public discussion of Indigenous issues through her work. She now lives on Territories cared for under the Dish with One Spoon Covenant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
August 17, 2024
My wife and I are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary by reading picture books aloud to each other. (5 of 5)
The creators imagine an alternate reality of sorts that has a peaceful -- almost erotic -- first contact between an indigenous man and a French sailor in the 1530s that is given a seal of approval by the local wildlife.
More than a little confusing but still oddly compelling. It sort of works, especially with the historical note that highlights how poorly things actually went.
The creators imagine an alternate reality of sorts that has a peaceful -- almost erotic -- first contact between an indigenous man and a French sailor in the 1530s that is given a seal of approval by the local wildlife.
More than a little confusing but still oddly compelling. It sort of works, especially with the historical note that highlights how poorly things actually went.
September 8, 2019
The key to this book is going to be reading parts of the author's reflection and historical note in the back matter after sharing it with kids to add the depth and perspective of why it was written the way it was and the deeper message that is grounded in the colonizer history of North America. Gorgeously illustrated and beautifully told through animal/nature perspectives (fitting for a Native story), this book by two First Nations #ownvoices creators, is the type of addition we need to the books we have available to share during November or Indigenous People's (Columbus) Day or during those 5th grade explorers units.
March 30, 2023
Instead of Columbus "discovering" North America, this is an alternative view of Jacques Cartier's "discovery" of Canada and his first encounter with a native. It's a story of how we all are different and the same or as Crab describes the two men in this story, "What fine figures, they each found a shell to suit them."
February 2, 2021
This is a beautiful "if only" story, reimagining a first encounter between settler and indigenous person. The fauna around them recognize the similarities between the two characters while they communicate through their differences. The authors note and context given at the end is an important explanation for the inspiration for telling the story this way, and the true history. I was drawn to the book because of the illustrations, which are so vibrantly colored and astoundingly beautiful, it made my heart sing to look at them.
November 25, 2019
I don't quite know how I feel about this book. I appreciate the art, the message, and the information in the back. What I struggle with is another book that makes colonization a friendly merging of souls instead of the holocaust perpetuated against indigenous people of which no true change has happened to better their ancestors lives. Like I said, not quite sure how I should feel about this book.
October 25, 2019
The story of an explorer and the native man he encounters and befriends. (*Please read the historical note in the back of the book which states that this book is based on the personal notes kept by explorer Jacques Cartier and how the relationship between the Indigenous People and the French soured soon after this initial meeting)
February 10, 2021
Fisher and Sailor, the one a native Stadaconan man living in what is now Quebec, the other a European who had just arrived as part of Jacques Cartier's 1534 voyage to the area, meet and spend a day and night together in this historical fantasy from two Native American picture-book creators. Although they do not speak the same language, or come from the same culture, they find a way to communicate, enjoying their time together. The world around them shows its approval, constantly sending the message that they are more alike than not...
Encounter is a book I sought out largely because I was looking for more of Tlingit illustrator Michaela Goade's work, after loving her Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations, in Carole Lindstrom's We Are Water Protectors . On that score, this book is a success, and the visuals are just breathtaking! Goade's use of color, and her beautifully stylized forms, make it an aesthetic pleasure to page through this book. The story itself, which marks Anishinaabe author Brittany Luby's debut in the picture-book form, left me feeling somewhat conflicted. It's a 'what-if' story, imagining what a peaceful first encounter between indigenous North Americans and European explorers might have looked like. It presents an argument, through the commentary offered by the animals and other natural observers - the mosquitos observing that both men taste the same, Moon revealing that their anatomies are the same, and so on - that this sort of encounter is both natural and desirable, since both men are human beings. There is an author's afterword, which gives more of the history, as well as an explanation for the storytelling choices made. Luby writes that her story is not meant to "forgive" Jacques Cartier for the violence of his actions, but to show that "violence is a choice."
While that is certainly true, I'm not sure that the story really accomplishes what it sets out to do. I will confess that I have not studied the specifics of Cartier's first voyage to North America in any great detail, but my own understanding of many of these "first contact" stories, is that initial meetings between Native Americans and Europeans were often peaceful and friendly, with conflict usually developing later, when it became evident that European explorers weren't just visiting, but rather, wanted to claim the land and natural resources in a given area. Luby's own afterword seems to confirm this, as she mentions that relations between Cartier's sailors and the local Stadaconan people soured (quite understandably), after an initial period of friendship, when the sailors kidnapped two Stadaconan men. So it is that an encounter like the one described in the story here is not outside the realm of historical possibility, even if later developments were far less benign. The "what-if" aspect here is therefore not so much the friendly encounter itself, as Luby claims at one point, but the fact that Sailor and his ship depart, after having the encounter. But if it is indeed this point, when the two men part peacefully, that is the "what-if" moment, then why is almost all of the narrative attention given to the events that precede it? I take Luby at her word, when it comes to her intentions, but somehow the story doesn't quite work for me, in terms of doing what she says she wants it to be doing.
Since this is a meditation on violence, there's also the issue that both story and afterword seem to be implying that the world encountered by European explorers in North America was a peaceful and idyllic one, which is anything but true. The Stadaconans, for instance, were Iroquoian, loosely connected to a confederacy of people with expansionist tendencies during this period, and a history of bloody conflict with their various Algonquian neighbors. The Iroquoians would be expelled from the Gaspé Peninsula by the Mi'kmaq (an Algonquian people) during the following century, in a series of bloody wars. This isn't to cast stones, of course, but simply to raise the question: if we're looking into the past and wishing it had been more peaceful, shouldn't we be wishing it for all sides, and all peoples? More to the point, why look into the past and wish it different at all? What does it accomplish? Shouldn't we look into the past, recognize that it was brutal and tribal, and seek to create something different, going forward into the future? In the end, Encounter left me confused, with the impression that it was the product of muddled thinking, from a storytelling perspective. My three stars are largely for the beautiful artwork from Michaela Goade.
Encounter is a book I sought out largely because I was looking for more of Tlingit illustrator Michaela Goade's work, after loving her Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations, in Carole Lindstrom's We Are Water Protectors . On that score, this book is a success, and the visuals are just breathtaking! Goade's use of color, and her beautifully stylized forms, make it an aesthetic pleasure to page through this book. The story itself, which marks Anishinaabe author Brittany Luby's debut in the picture-book form, left me feeling somewhat conflicted. It's a 'what-if' story, imagining what a peaceful first encounter between indigenous North Americans and European explorers might have looked like. It presents an argument, through the commentary offered by the animals and other natural observers - the mosquitos observing that both men taste the same, Moon revealing that their anatomies are the same, and so on - that this sort of encounter is both natural and desirable, since both men are human beings. There is an author's afterword, which gives more of the history, as well as an explanation for the storytelling choices made. Luby writes that her story is not meant to "forgive" Jacques Cartier for the violence of his actions, but to show that "violence is a choice."
While that is certainly true, I'm not sure that the story really accomplishes what it sets out to do. I will confess that I have not studied the specifics of Cartier's first voyage to North America in any great detail, but my own understanding of many of these "first contact" stories, is that initial meetings between Native Americans and Europeans were often peaceful and friendly, with conflict usually developing later, when it became evident that European explorers weren't just visiting, but rather, wanted to claim the land and natural resources in a given area. Luby's own afterword seems to confirm this, as she mentions that relations between Cartier's sailors and the local Stadaconan people soured (quite understandably), after an initial period of friendship, when the sailors kidnapped two Stadaconan men. So it is that an encounter like the one described in the story here is not outside the realm of historical possibility, even if later developments were far less benign. The "what-if" aspect here is therefore not so much the friendly encounter itself, as Luby claims at one point, but the fact that Sailor and his ship depart, after having the encounter. But if it is indeed this point, when the two men part peacefully, that is the "what-if" moment, then why is almost all of the narrative attention given to the events that precede it? I take Luby at her word, when it comes to her intentions, but somehow the story doesn't quite work for me, in terms of doing what she says she wants it to be doing.
Since this is a meditation on violence, there's also the issue that both story and afterword seem to be implying that the world encountered by European explorers in North America was a peaceful and idyllic one, which is anything but true. The Stadaconans, for instance, were Iroquoian, loosely connected to a confederacy of people with expansionist tendencies during this period, and a history of bloody conflict with their various Algonquian neighbors. The Iroquoians would be expelled from the Gaspé Peninsula by the Mi'kmaq (an Algonquian people) during the following century, in a series of bloody wars. This isn't to cast stones, of course, but simply to raise the question: if we're looking into the past and wishing it had been more peaceful, shouldn't we be wishing it for all sides, and all peoples? More to the point, why look into the past and wish it different at all? What does it accomplish? Shouldn't we look into the past, recognize that it was brutal and tribal, and seek to create something different, going forward into the future? In the end, Encounter left me confused, with the impression that it was the product of muddled thinking, from a storytelling perspective. My three stars are largely for the beautiful artwork from Michaela Goade.
January 14, 2020
1 Corinthians 13:11 King James Version (KJV)
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Nonsense. It was a mix between fantasy (speaking animals) and a confused version of “history.” Though, no historical account I have read includes a white man and a Native American spending a day and night frolicking. Utter nonsense. A waste of time.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Nonsense. It was a mix between fantasy (speaking animals) and a confused version of “history.” Though, no historical account I have read includes a white man and a Native American spending a day and night frolicking. Utter nonsense. A waste of time.
June 2, 2021
Turns out this is actually a valuable book, and beautiful. The creators are so brave to publish it. But the notes make the goal clear, so be sure to read them. What if the encounter in Canada some 500 yrs ago had gone differently? What if we could learn from a reimagining of that? If only...
That is to say, read it like an optimistic 'alternative history SF' story, if that helps.
I still am not sure but that a fantasy would have been more effective. But at least this book is getting attention, and making those of us who do get around to read it *think hard* and process. And yes, it's #OwnVoices.
I repeat, too, that it's beautiful. I want posters of many of the images.
---
Previously I said:
No, no, no.... If you're writing a fantasy, make it fantastical. If you are writing history. admit to the ugly truth. I'm having trouble understanding why Native people would whitewash the atrocities.
Edit - I've seen other reviews now, and I can almost appreciate the desire for a "what if" and a "can we start over and get it right this time." But it would be challenging to get that message across to the usual picture-book audience. Hmm....
---
Now, to compare to the previous Encounter by the incomparable Jane Yolen.
That is to say, read it like an optimistic 'alternative history SF' story, if that helps.
I still am not sure but that a fantasy would have been more effective. But at least this book is getting attention, and making those of us who do get around to read it *think hard* and process. And yes, it's #OwnVoices.
I repeat, too, that it's beautiful. I want posters of many of the images.
---
Previously I said:
No, no, no.... If you're writing a fantasy, make it fantastical. If you are writing history. admit to the ugly truth. I'm having trouble understanding why Native people would whitewash the atrocities.
Edit - I've seen other reviews now, and I can almost appreciate the desire for a "what if" and a "can we start over and get it right this time." But it would be challenging to get that message across to the usual picture-book audience. Hmm....
---
Now, to compare to the previous Encounter by the incomparable Jane Yolen.
March 29, 2023
Extraordinary pairing of words and images in this insightful version of an imagined meeting between an Indigenous man and a curious explorer.
February 28, 2020
Gorgeous artwork, every page was beautiful. I sincerely wish that the interactions between Europeans and First Nations had been this way, and were still.
July 15, 2020
The illustrations are gorgeous!!!
Read
January 16, 2020I'm not sure what to make of this one, so I defer to AICL, which does not recommend it (see: https://americanindiansinchildrenslit...).
In an afterward, the author says that this book "shows us that everyday people can participate in systems that hurt others." But does the story show that? It doesn't unless young readers are aware of the true relationship between indigenous people and European colonizers. There is no hint in the story itself of what is to come for Fisher and his people.
For a lot of young readers, it's likely that this book will perpetuate myths of peace and harmony between native people and colonizers -- the sort of myths many children learn from reading whitewashed Thanksgiving stories.
The Kirkus review says, "Without [the author's] addendum, this story runs the risk of obscuring legacies of violence."
In an afterward, the author says that this book "shows us that everyday people can participate in systems that hurt others." But does the story show that? It doesn't unless young readers are aware of the true relationship between indigenous people and European colonizers. There is no hint in the story itself of what is to come for Fisher and his people.
For a lot of young readers, it's likely that this book will perpetuate myths of peace and harmony between native people and colonizers -- the sort of myths many children learn from reading whitewashed Thanksgiving stories.
The Kirkus review says, "Without [the author's] addendum, this story runs the risk of obscuring legacies of violence."
Read
September 22, 2020This book is very pretty.
Beyond that, it might be a more interesting meditation for people with knowledge of various histories, to imagine how things might have gone differently. I wonder how it works as an introduction for young readers, who may not grasp the author's note at the end, and who are already exposed to lots of propaganda about "peaceful" encounters (Thanksgiving etc).
Beyond that, it might be a more interesting meditation for people with knowledge of various histories, to imagine how things might have gone differently. I wonder how it works as an introduction for young readers, who may not grasp the author's note at the end, and who are already exposed to lots of propaganda about "peaceful" encounters (Thanksgiving etc).
March 23, 2020
Phenomenal art!
March 12, 2024
This is a great book to add to history reading for kids. I loved this alternative look at Cartier’s “discovery” of Canada, and the hopeful “what if” tone. If only it had continued to be so amicable and peaceful in real life. The author has some great explanatory notes at the end that you should definitely read to and discuss with your kids. Also, the illustrations were GORGEOUS. 😍
January 9, 2020
This is a what-might-have-been story.
What might have been if the first encounter of North American Indigenous People with Europeans (An Anishinabek man and Jacques Cartier, say) had been different from what it was.
In this book Fisher awakes with the sun and sets out to fish for mackerel. Simultaneously, Sailor awakes aboard his ship and decides to explore the new land he has reached.
It was bound to happen — “Sun had not traveled far when Fisher and Sailor paddled into the same bay.”
Shortly afterwards, they meet on the beach. From overhead Seagull squawks, “You are not so different. You both cast long shadows.”
Sailor manages to communicate with Fish by drawing pictures in the sand of his journey across the sea.
They share each other’s strange food — sea biscuits from Sailor; sunflower seeds from Fisher. At first bite, neither is impressed, but …
They swim together; they explore together.
All-in-all, they pass a Jim-dandy day. Their “foreignness” is not a problem.
This book is a children’s picture book, so the illustrations are equally as important as the text in telling the story of Fisher and Sailor spending an enjoyable day getting to know each other a little bit.
Perhaps Mosquito best states the common ground, the common blood, so to speak, that Fisher and Sailor share.
“You have much in common,” Mosquito says. “You both taste the same.”
Ah, b’ys, what might have been.
What might have been if the first encounter of North American Indigenous People with Europeans (An Anishinabek man and Jacques Cartier, say) had been different from what it was.
In this book Fisher awakes with the sun and sets out to fish for mackerel. Simultaneously, Sailor awakes aboard his ship and decides to explore the new land he has reached.
It was bound to happen — “Sun had not traveled far when Fisher and Sailor paddled into the same bay.”
Shortly afterwards, they meet on the beach. From overhead Seagull squawks, “You are not so different. You both cast long shadows.”
Sailor manages to communicate with Fish by drawing pictures in the sand of his journey across the sea.
They share each other’s strange food — sea biscuits from Sailor; sunflower seeds from Fisher. At first bite, neither is impressed, but …
They swim together; they explore together.
All-in-all, they pass a Jim-dandy day. Their “foreignness” is not a problem.
This book is a children’s picture book, so the illustrations are equally as important as the text in telling the story of Fisher and Sailor spending an enjoyable day getting to know each other a little bit.
Perhaps Mosquito best states the common ground, the common blood, so to speak, that Fisher and Sailor share.
“You have much in common,” Mosquito says. “You both taste the same.”
Ah, b’ys, what might have been.
January 13, 2020
4 stars
Encounter is a beautifully written picture book. I was moved by the way the author used the animals, the sun and moon to show that even though two people may look very different they are the same. The animals look at the humans as having the same qualities, while the humans look at each other and notice the differences. The message that I feel the book imparts is that even though we are all different we are all of the human race and it is up to all of us to work together to make the future a place for all peoples.
The illustrations were painted beautifully and gave the story a serene quality that seemed almost magical. I was drawn into this peaceful land, and felt transported back in time.
I would recommend this book, to give a glimpse into a past that could have been had people been more open to different cultures, and a look into a future where we should be more open to make this a better world.
- Ms. Elena
Encounter is a beautifully written picture book. I was moved by the way the author used the animals, the sun and moon to show that even though two people may look very different they are the same. The animals look at the humans as having the same qualities, while the humans look at each other and notice the differences. The message that I feel the book imparts is that even though we are all different we are all of the human race and it is up to all of us to work together to make the future a place for all peoples.
The illustrations were painted beautifully and gave the story a serene quality that seemed almost magical. I was drawn into this peaceful land, and felt transported back in time.
I would recommend this book, to give a glimpse into a past that could have been had people been more open to different cultures, and a look into a future where we should be more open to make this a better world.
- Ms. Elena
December 7, 2019
3.5 stars.
This is a nice story that gives us a glimpse into a positive interaction between an Indigenous person and a colonist before everything went wrong. It gives us the chance to see a different perspective than what we usually get, and the chance to explore that interaction in a reflective way. The author's reflection and historical note at the end are both must-reads, and make the significance of the story come together.
The illustrations in this book are stunning.
Recommended as a read-along so that it can be part of a larger discussion. Recommended as a replacement to "discovery" narratives.
This is a nice story that gives us a glimpse into a positive interaction between an Indigenous person and a colonist before everything went wrong. It gives us the chance to see a different perspective than what we usually get, and the chance to explore that interaction in a reflective way. The author's reflection and historical note at the end are both must-reads, and make the significance of the story come together.
The illustrations in this book are stunning.
Recommended as a read-along so that it can be part of a larger discussion. Recommended as a replacement to "discovery" narratives.
April 1, 2021
I picked this book up after We Are Water Protectors won the Caldecott award because this book has the same illustrator. I thought the story was nice with how it showed the similarities between Fisher and Sailor. Reading more into other reviews and the author's note, I'm torn about the book because it shows this nice peaceful interaction between an Indigenous person and a European and could give children the wrong impression about what actually happened.
Beautiful illustrations though!
Beautiful illustrations though!
November 27, 2019
Yay for more authentic Indigenous works!
This book is really beautiful. There's a nice cover under the jacket, too. I notice that in Indigenous works they often don't use names but, like in this book with Fisher and Sailor, use occupations or other ways of identifying characters. I also really appreciated the line, "Perhaps these lands are not so new" said by the white character. It showcases how they are alike and how they are different.
My favorite spread might be the one with the belugas and the cliff. I love seeing the animals in the endpapers.
This book is really beautiful. There's a nice cover under the jacket, too. I notice that in Indigenous works they often don't use names but, like in this book with Fisher and Sailor, use occupations or other ways of identifying characters. I also really appreciated the line, "Perhaps these lands are not so new" said by the white character. It showcases how they are alike and how they are different.
My favorite spread might be the one with the belugas and the cliff. I love seeing the animals in the endpapers.
November 17, 2019
An achingly poignant imagining of an encounter between an indigenous American and a European explorer that does not have catastrophic consequences for the native. Provocative and vibrantly illustrated.
November 26, 2019
A book that must be read with the backmatter and a thorough discussion.
Read
March 27, 2024A sailor arrives on new shores and sees the land and its resources as opportunities for exploration and gain. In contrast, the Indigenous fisherman values harmony with nature, understanding its rhythms, and respecting its offerings.
Encounter navigates themes of cultural differences, respect for the environment, and the impact of colonial encounters on Indigenous peoples and their lands.
Discussion Questions
1. How do the sailor and the Indigenous fisherman view their encounter differently? What does this tell us about perspective?
2. Encounter explores environmental stewardship. How do the characters' actions reflect their attitudes towards nature?
3. The story is based on a real historical encounter. Why is it important to learn about and understand historical moments?
4. How do the illustrations enhance your understanding of the characters' perspectives?
5. How can understanding and respecting different perspectives help us address environmental challenges today?
6. How does the story encourage us to think about the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples and their cultures?
7. How does the sailor and fisherman encounter teach us about empathy?
Encounter navigates themes of cultural differences, respect for the environment, and the impact of colonial encounters on Indigenous peoples and their lands.
Discussion Questions
1. How do the sailor and the Indigenous fisherman view their encounter differently? What does this tell us about perspective?
2. Encounter explores environmental stewardship. How do the characters' actions reflect their attitudes towards nature?
3. The story is based on a real historical encounter. Why is it important to learn about and understand historical moments?
4. How do the illustrations enhance your understanding of the characters' perspectives?
5. How can understanding and respecting different perspectives help us address environmental challenges today?
6. How does the story encourage us to think about the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples and their cultures?
7. How does the sailor and fisherman encounter teach us about empathy?
September 18, 2023
A beautiful story of the coming together of two men from different cultures who learn what they have in common. Based on stories of Jacques Cartier's explorations of what is now Canada, the story is very sweet and charming. The illustrations are beautiful and lush. Nature, of course, plays a large role in the story and is reflected in the illustrations.
Contains author's reflections on why she wrote the story (because she was always told a White narrative in school and a different narrative at home). It's an alternative, native viewpoint and a peaceful coexisiting in that moment. The author states the purpose is not to forgive Jacques Cartier for his violent actions but to remind us that violence is a choice. It also shows that everyday people such as the White character, Sailor, can participate in systems that hurt others. "Any of us can be like Sailor and it is vital to know where our food, water and housing originate to ensure we are not displacing others in serving ourselves."
Backmatter also includes a historical note.
Contains author's reflections on why she wrote the story (because she was always told a White narrative in school and a different narrative at home). It's an alternative, native viewpoint and a peaceful coexisiting in that moment. The author states the purpose is not to forgive Jacques Cartier for his violent actions but to remind us that violence is a choice. It also shows that everyday people such as the White character, Sailor, can participate in systems that hurt others. "Any of us can be like Sailor and it is vital to know where our food, water and housing originate to ensure we are not displacing others in serving ourselves."
Backmatter also includes a historical note.
April 1, 2025
Interesting story full of hope for co-existence.
The author says she wrote it so her indigenous son could have better stories. But the Afterward uses very adult language like “settler-colonist.” What are children who are young enough to enjoy this story supposed to do when the afterward tells them they are living on “stolen land”? The author provides no suggestions for how to deal with this information. For that matter, what are adults supposed to do?
I have heard the idea that non-native people can choose to pay a tax to the tribe whose land they are living on, so that’s one idea the author could have suggested. Perhaps going to local tribal centers if they exist in ones area and learning about local customs and cultures would be another idea. I just think there should be suggestions for improved behavior along with handing out guilt for something other people did in the past.
The author says she wrote it so her indigenous son could have better stories. But the Afterward uses very adult language like “settler-colonist.” What are children who are young enough to enjoy this story supposed to do when the afterward tells them they are living on “stolen land”? The author provides no suggestions for how to deal with this information. For that matter, what are adults supposed to do?
I have heard the idea that non-native people can choose to pay a tax to the tribe whose land they are living on, so that’s one idea the author could have suggested. Perhaps going to local tribal centers if they exist in ones area and learning about local customs and cultures would be another idea. I just think there should be suggestions for improved behavior along with handing out guilt for something other people did in the past.
March 31, 2022
This was a very lovely book. In the afterword, the author makes a great point. With each interaction we have, and with the people we met. There is a chance for common ground. I understand the book is placed in a fictional setting. A posed question of what if the Europeans hadn't been hostile to the Indengious who lived in a place we now call Gaspe Bay. Honestly, I wish the meeting could have been more like the book. I understand it wasn't. I understand a lot of Indegiounous people were harmed and misplaced. The artwork is wonderful. The book is great. Trying to find things in common is a great goal to focus on. Sometimes people become lost in the negatives: we end up creating our divides.
May 12, 2024
Beautiful picture book about the possibility of meeting others who are different from us, intertwined with other natural creatures. I loved the spreads that showed animals' perspective of Sailor and Fisher interacting. Really great author and historical notes at the back of the book.
While a few years older, this is a great historical addition to library collections that have focused on the violence of settler-colonialists and Thanksgiving-esque titles, which is how our collection has been skewing (with the exception of some modern day/everyday books that feature Native American/Indigenous families or main characters).
While a few years older, this is a great historical addition to library collections that have focused on the violence of settler-colonialists and Thanksgiving-esque titles, which is how our collection has been skewing (with the exception of some modern day/everyday books that feature Native American/Indigenous families or main characters).
November 4, 2019
This beauty of a tale shows that even with our differences, common things can be celebrated and we can learn from one another.
I really loved the animals and earth were the narrators and our main characters had names like "Fisher" and "Sailor" and native languages were spoken from both people. The author does note in the back that most encounters were met with violence and brute force but this real incident showcases that common ground and peace existed as well. The story and illustrations are beautifully done and highlights a peaceful, human connection story.
I really loved the animals and earth were the narrators and our main characters had names like "Fisher" and "Sailor" and native languages were spoken from both people. The author does note in the back that most encounters were met with violence and brute force but this real incident showcases that common ground and peace existed as well. The story and illustrations are beautifully done and highlights a peaceful, human connection story.
January 25, 2022
“Based on historical documents, this
extraordinary vision by Brittany Luby,
professor of Indigenous history, is paired
with art by Michaela Goade, winner of the
2018 American Indian Youth Literature
Best Picture Book Award. Encounter is
a luminous telling from two Indigenous
creators that celebrates our ability to
acknowledge difference and find common
ground. It invites readers to reckon with
the past and to welcome, together, a future
that is yet unchartered.”
Story: 3
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 3
extraordinary vision by Brittany Luby,
professor of Indigenous history, is paired
with art by Michaela Goade, winner of the
2018 American Indian Youth Literature
Best Picture Book Award. Encounter is
a luminous telling from two Indigenous
creators that celebrates our ability to
acknowledge difference and find common
ground. It invites readers to reckon with
the past and to welcome, together, a future
that is yet unchartered.”
Story: 3
Illustrations: 4
Read-aloud: 3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews