The Outside Circle: A Graphic Novel by Laboucane-Benson, Patti

Winner, CODE's 2016 Burt Award for First Nation, Inuit and Métis Literature

In this important graphic novel, two brothers surrounded by poverty, drug abuse, and gang violence, try to overcome centuries of historic trauma in very different ways to bring about positive change in their lives.

Pete, a young Indigenous man wrapped up in gang violence, lives with his younger brother, Joey, and his mother who is a heroin addict. One night, Pete and his mother's boyfriend, Dennis, get into a big fight, which sends Dennis to the morgue and Pete to jail. Initially, Pete keeps up ties to his crew, until a jail brawl forces him to realize the negative influence he has become on Joey, which encourages him to begin a process of rehabilitation that includes traditional Indigenous healing circles and ceremonies.

Powerful, courageous, and deeply moving, The Outside Circle is drawn from the author's twenty years of work and research on healing and reconciliation of gang-affiliated or incarcerated Indigenous men.

Author: Patti Laboucane-Benson
Publisher: House of Anansi Press
Published: 05/02/2015
Pages: 128
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.80h x 6.60w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781770899377
Age Range: 16-UP

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 05/15/2015 pg. 43
Publishers Weekly 06/22/2015
School Library Journal 10/01/2015 pg. 119

About the Author
Patti Laboucane-Benson is a Métis woman and the Director of Research, Training, and Communication at Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA). She has a Ph.D. in Human Ecology, focusing on Aboriginal Family Resilience. Her doctoral research explored how providing historic trauma healing program. She lives in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada. Kelly Mellings is an award-winning art director, illustrator, and designer. His work has appeared in comic books, magazines, apps, museum exhibits, and online games, and his clients include Microsoft. He is the co-owner of the acclaimed illustration, animation, and design firm Pulp Studios. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.