If I Go Missing

by Brianna Jonnie

Other authorsNeal Shannacappo (Illustrator), Nahanni Shingoose (Contributor)
Hardcover, 2019

Status

Available

Call number

FIC JON

Call number

FIC JON

Local notes

Combining graphic fiction and non-fiction, this young adult graphic novel serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today.

The text of the book is derived from excerpts of a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie — a letter that went viral and was also the basis of a documentary film. In her letter, Jonnie calls out the authorities for neglecting to immediately investigate missing Indigenous people and urges them to "not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be," if she were to be reported missing.
Indigenous artist Neal Shannacappo provides the artwork for the book. Through his illustrations he imagines a situation in which a young Indigenous woman does disappear, portraying the reaction of her community, her friends, the police and media.

An author's note at the end of the book provides context for young readers about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.

Description

"A powerfully illustrated graphic novel for teens about the subject of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Combining graphic fiction and non-fiction, this young adult graphic novel serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today. The text of the book is derived from excerpts of a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie -- a letter that went viral and in which, Jonnie calls out the authorities for neglecting to immediately investigate and involve the public in the search for missing Indigenous people, and urges them to "not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be" if she were to be reported missing. Indigenous artist Neal Shannacappo provides the artwork for the book. Through his illustrations he imagines a situation in which a young Indigenous woman does disappear, portraying the reaction of her community, her friends, the police and media. An author's note at the end of the book provides context for young readers about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada."--… (more)

Publication

Lorimer (2019), Edition: Illustrated, 64 pages

Original publication date

2019

Original language

English

Language

User reviews

LibraryThing member villemezbrown
A gut punch, devastating with its respectful tone and reasoned arguments, unforgiving in its sadness and resignation. Brianna Jonnie speaks the unspoken message that is sent by the double standard in how missing person cases are pursued by police and the media depending on race and gender.

I've read
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several graphic novels about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) and this is the most powerful yet, adapting then 14-year-old Brianna Jonnie's 2016 open letter to the chief of the Winnipeg Police Service into a graphic novel/picture book. The full text of that letter is included in the back of the book, and it is even more moving than the adaptation.

Highly recommended.
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ISBN

1459414519 / 9781459414518

Barcode

97814594145181
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