Book Talk - Portraits from Life by David Collier

APA Reference: Collier, D. (2001). Portraits from life.Montreal, PQ: Drawn & Quarterly.

1.     Portraits from Life by David Collier is a graphic novel or rather: “Comics About: Ethel Catherwood, Grey Owl, Richard Collier, David Milgaard & Humphrey Osmond”. This black and white comic digest book is extremely engaging and would especially appeal to those who are not particularly interested in reading, preferring less dense and more illustrated material such as comic books. The author tackles issues such as the price of fame (Catherwood), the appropriation of race, and environmentalism (Grey Owl), injustice and miscarriage of justice (Milgard) and offers an interesting look at a little-known historical episode in our province (Osmond) and the story of the author`s own WW1 veteran grandfather. The local connections are interesting but given its graphic pictures, it is suitable for older students, and the school community would also need to be considered before recommending it. As a teacher it would not be a book I would teach, however it could help to spark an interest in reading for reluctant readers. Realistic and relevant, graphic novels are a genre that can enhance learning for students within the ELA classroom.