Description
Elder Johnny Aitken is an interdisciplinary artist, actor, writer, carver, filmmaker, activist and educator. Johnny’s mixed ancestry includes Coast Salish, Scottish and Haida, and he self-identifies as a 2Spirit First Nations individual. Jess Willows has had a long career as a teacher in the Gulf Islands School District of Mayne Island, British Columbia. Alyssa Koski is an illustrator, animator and entrepreneur and has a mixed heritage of Blackfoot and European ancestry and is a member of the Kainai Nation.
Friendship can overcome any obstacle. To Jessie and Johnny, their friendship is easy. Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. Jessie lives comfortably and never worries about money while Johnny lives with his father and stepmother on the reserve outside of town. With guidance from Raven and spiritual teacher, Steven, the two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences. Book contains 25 Black & White illustrations. Audience: Ages 6-8.
