CYBILS GRAPHIC NOVEL NOMINEE (MG): Lost at Windy River by Trina Rathgeber, Alina Pete, & Jillian Dolan
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1944, thirteen-year-old Ilse Schweder got lost in a snowstorm while checking her family's trapline in northern Canada. This is the harrowing story of how a young Indigenous girl defies the odds and endures nine days alone in the unforgiving barrens. Ilse faces many challenges, including freezing temperatures, wild animals, snow blindness and frostbite. With no food or supplies, she relies on Traditional Indigenous Knowledge passed down from her family. Ilse uses her connection to the land and animals, wilderness skills and resilience to find her way home.
This powerful tale of survival is written by Ilse Schweder's granddaughter.
REVIEW
This inspiring true tale of survival on the Canadian tundra follows Ilse as she and her four brothers head out to check the family's trapline. After stopping at a camp site, the weather takes a turn for the worst. The oldest brother sets out to check the rest of the trapline while Freddy, Ilse, and the twins set off for home. Along the way, Ilse, on her one sled with four sled dogs in training, gets separated. A blizzard keeps Ilse from making it home and she eventually ends up alone with no food or supplies. This short, and compelling read pulls readers along from the very beginning. The fact that the story is true makes it all the more astonishing as Ilse's courage and traditional knowledge to keep herself going day after day. Told by Ilse's granddaughter shortly after Ilse's death, the story is told with Ilse in a classroom talking to children about her experience. The importance of telling one's own story is a strong theme as well as the importance of traditional knowledge and resilience. Attractively presented in graphic novel format and short enough to be a quick read, the book is likely to be picked up and enjoyed by many a young reader. Recommended.
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