Stone

7 Generations #1

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

Stone introduces Edwin, a young man who must discover his family’s past if he is to have any future. Edwin learns of his ancestor Stone, a young Plains Cree man, who came of age in the early 19th century. Following a vision quest, Stone aspires to be like his older brother, Bear, a member of the Warrior Society. But when Bear is tragically killed during a Blackfoot raid, Stone, the best shot and rider in his encampment, must overcome his grief and avenge his brother’s death. Only then can he begin a new life with his bride, Nahoway. It is Stone’s story that drives Edwin to embark on his own quest.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Indigenous, Canada, Young Adult, Historical, Graphic Novels Comics

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2010

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

[S. Kallahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engrossing read that tries to overcome past colonial representations of First Nations peoples. The flip back and forth between past and present works well, but the story in the past is the real draw - giving us a glimpse into an indigenous past that is nothing like the "barbaric" image we may have been taught in schools. Well worth the read, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edwin is a broken and lost young man. After his attempted suicide, his mother starts to tell him stories from his family's past and the history of Plains Cree people, hoping it will help him to find his identity. Each volume looks at a different generation in this lineage, starting with Stone in the 19th century. These stories run in parallel with Edwin's in a broad sense as they address the struggles the aboriginal people have faced, and continue to face, because of the changing world. The cruelty of the residential schools is a particularly shameful part of Canadian history, but in terms of the story, it is the strongest reminder of how important cultural identity is to personal identity. Crisp inks, detailed faces, and the artist's mastery of black and white space lends a great deal of emotional weight to this very personal narrative. Each ancestor helps Edwin cope with specific issues, but they cannot save him. Every voice resonates beyond the barriers of death and time, but it is up to those in the present to move forward. Pick up all four volumes, they are short, and because they are well-written, you'll want to read the whole thing straight through.

[Stevan McCallum · Rating 1 out of 5]

David Alexander Robertson

Purpose for reading:
-looking for something for my Grade 10 English class (ENG 2P)
-find something relatively recent
-seek out a relevant, engaging graphic novel

Content:
-two stories told concurrently: one of a 19th century young First Nations man and the other of a present day First Nations man
-learn very little here and found the modern-day character quite flat
-

Form:
-as with David Alexander Robertson's other book, this is a comic book, not a graphic novel
-the artwork here does little to aid the story; often the characters are easily confused with one another (might be intentional)
-the emotion presented is often melodramatic

I won't carry-on in this series of 4 books. Not even sure who I'd recommend this to...

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having greatly admired the work done in Sugar Falls, also by David Alexander Robertson and Scott B. Henderson, I decided to check out Stone, the first book in their 7 Generations series. I was definitely not let down.

The present day story entwines with the 19th century historical story quite smoothly, and clearly had a lot of thought put into both. It definitely sets up a lot of opportunity for the remainder of the series to be just as good. While I thought the art was lovely, and evocative, I feel like it would have better suited it to be in full colour.

I definitely enjoyed this, and intend to finish out the series. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a quick comic read that blends the past and present realities of North American indigenous people.

[taketwolu]

As the first of a series, this short graphic novel follows Edwin, an Indigenous young man who attempts to end his life. At the hospital, Edwin’s mom shares about their family’s past and how it has shaped them. We learn of his ancestor Stone, who sets out to avenge the death of his brother, Bear, after a Blackfoot raid. Despite the dark circumstances, this story has a hopeful and reflective outlook on life. We get a glimpse into the family bonds and traditions shared amongst the community which instills a sense of purpose. Overall, a quick but interesting read!

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm looking for books on Indigenous peoples that could tie to English and World Religions courses. Not a hard read. The premise is a young man struggling with finding his purpose in life is advised that to know who he is, he must know his past--so his mom starts telling him about his ancestors. In this first one he learns of an early ancestor. I think I will be more interested as he moves through history and connects with residential schools and native issues today.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juin, Mois national de l'histoire autochtone.
Je suis tombé sur 3 de ces livres - je ne savais pas dans quel ordre les lires, mais je me suis dit que c'était un bon temps pour les lires.
L'histoire, va au delà des mots et des images.
Je dois trouver le 4e tome.

J'ai terminé par celui-ci.

[Emilie Pelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 Générations, Volume 1 is a powerful and accessible look at one of the first traumas faced by First Nations peoples, the arrival of la variole (smallpox). The story explains this history clearly, making it great for younger readers.

The artwork is expressive, though I wish it were in colour. Overall, an engaging and educational read that I might use with my Grade 9 French class.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting illustrations with parallel stories between a modern indigenous man struggling with his past and present and a warrior who is discovering his traditional way through stories and action. The illustrations for this graphic novel tell much of the story.

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Sooke BC, or maybe Victoria.

[Aishwarya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Très intéressant. Captivant. Quêtes de vision. Le traumatisme intergénérationnel. J'ai beaucoup appris!!

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story, but the content is heavy. Great introduction.

[Pepper! · Rating 5 out of 5]

NIN in the back

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a graphic novel/comic type book. It was interesting to read this format.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the interplay between future and past generations learning their own unique lessons from the circumstances of their respective times

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

First, I must give credit to the amazing artist, Scott Henderson, who added his talent to this amazing story. The black and white graphics are stunning and help to make this graphic novel a huge success. But, let’s not forget the also amazing author who created this story.

David Alexander Robertson…

I’ve been following David’s work for a while now and have been acquiring everything of his he’s written. The man is very talented, very unique and has a truly inspirational author’s voice that needs to be heard.

Sometimes, these smaller books go unnoticed and that’s a shame. There’s definitely something to what he’s created that must not be missed by readers.

I would love to see him create a larger project one day, just to see what he does with it.

I can’t say enough about both talented men.

David’s website: http://www.darobertson.ca/
Scott’s website: https://scotthendersonart.wordpress.com/

[Cupof Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

My cousin Scott is the illustrator of this series. I really enjoyed this first book, and I have to go get the rest soon. They have another story just launched called Sugar Falls, that I am also interested in.

The same day, I also reread the preview copy of Scott's own sf series The Books Of Era, but it doesn't have an ISBN so I haven't added it :( I was taken back to my childhood, when we played dress-up in my Grandma's basement and Scott would make up stories. I hope he will have the time and support to eventually continue this story :)


Aaaand just to promote a little more, if you have't seen it, he also illustrated the For Valour web comics for the Royal Canadian Air Force - check them out if you have the time!!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the series 7 Generations. Stone is the story of one First Nations family from the eighteen hundreds to the present. A young man attempts suicide. He learns about the life of one of his ancestors and it helps him recover.

What I liked:

I love the illustrations in this book. The story is really suited to this format. It's not a wordy book and the illustrations really help tell the story. It has a really compelling start that draws the reader in immediately. A short work, but a full work. I can't wait to read the whole series.

What I didn't like: I sometimes got lost between the past and present and found I had to re-read many parts.

I give this book a 4 star rating.