Portage & Main Press

“ ‘Little Moons’ has all the hallmarks of becoming a cherished companion for young hearts navigating the turbulent waters of grief and loss. This graphic novel not only offers solace but also illuminates the path toward healing. ‘Little Moons’ gently guides readers through the darkest of nights, reminding them that even in moments of profound sadness, there is still light to be found.”
—Tasha Spillett, New York Times bestselling author

In this moving graphic novel by , thirteen-year-old Reanna grieves the loss of her older sister. Can she find comfort through her family’s Ojibwe traditions?

Big news from the HWP team! Christine M’Lot has been selected as Associate Publisher of Portage & Main Press/HighWater Press! 🙌

Christine is an Anishinaabe educator, curriculum developer and consultant from Winnipeg. She is a familiar face who has previously worked on projects with PMP as co-editor of “Resurgence: Engaging with Indigenous Narratives and Cultural Expressions In and Beyond the Classroom” (2022). As part of her role, she will develop strategic growth plans for both imprints and engage new talent for the team.

We’re so excited to have Christine join us in her new role with the HWP team; we can't wait to see all that she’ll do!

Welcome Christine!

Happening this weekend! 🎉 Join the Indigenous Hockey Research Network, along with Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Kinesiology at UBC on Sunday, September 22nd, at 6:30 p.m. in Jack Poole Hall North, UBC Campus, for the book launch of "Between the Pipes" with author Albert McLeod! Don't miss out on celebrating this amazing book! 📝 📚

“Although ‘Between the Pipes’ doesn't shy away from the homophobia and bullying that affect 2SLGBTQIA+ youth today, it shows that hope also abounds. Featuring Two-Spirit role models, supportive friends and family, and the power of culture and ceremonies, this story illuminates a path towards self-acceptance, confidence, and inclusive community.”
—Chantal Fiola, author of Returning to Ceremony

“Between the Pipes” is available now!

Exciting book news!🎉 The Children's Book Council’s September Hot Off the Press features "Little Moons" by Jen Storm, "God Flare" by David Robertson and "Between the Pipes" by Albert Mcleod! http://bit.ly/1dCTqYI

Hot off the Press This curated list of new publications is a great resource for teachers, librarians, booksellers, and parents.

Happy book birthday to “Between the Pipes!” 🎂

Today’s release also aligns with World Su***de Prevention Day a day to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding su***de and its effects globally on communities, especially within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

These beautiful illustrations depict teen hockey player Chase learning more about himself, his identity, and embracing it in the face of prejudice and homophobia. He’s the goalie for his hockey team, The Eagles, but his dreams are troubled by visions of a bear spirit, the more he tries to avoid his problems, the more everything falls apart.

In this moving graphic novel, thirteen-year-old Reanna grieves the loss of her older sister. Can she find comfort through her family’s Ojibwe traditions?

It’s been a year since Reanna’s sister, Chelsea, went missing on her way home from school. Without any idea of what happened, Reanna and her family struggle to find closure.

Driven from their home by memories, Reanna’s mom moves to the big city. Left behind on the reserve, Reanna and her little brother go to live with their dad.

Reanna is hurt and angry that her mom has run away. She feels lonely, abandoned… but she is not alone. Lights turn on in empty rooms, and objects move without being touched.

There are little moons everywhere.

“Little Moons” is out now!

Teaching can be a highly satisfying profession, but it can also be overwhelming. “Teacher, Take Care” is a thorough guide for all teachers who have different experiences and different needs to help with stress management, self-care, mental well-being, and mindfulness.

Grounded in servant leadership and a holistic model, each chapter connects to Indigenous perspectives of wellness through remarks from Elder Stanley Kipling and Knowledge Keeper Richelle North Star Scott.

Check out what contributors Dr. Jennifer Lawson and Richelle North Star Scott had to say about this must-read teacher mental health book on the Manitoba Teachers' Society podcast.

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-m2vf8-143e496

Teaching can be a highly satisfying profession, but it can also be overwhelming. “Teacher, Take Care” is a thorough guide for all teachers who have different experiences and different needs to help with stress management, self-care, mental well-being, and mindfulness.

Grounded in servant leadership and a holistic model, each chapter connects to Indigenous perspectives of wellness through remarks from Elder Stanley Kipling and Knowledge Keeper Richelle North Star Scott.

Check out what contributors Dr. Jennifer Lawson and Richelle North Star Scott had to say about this must-read teacher mental health book on the Manitoba Teachers' Society podcast.

How can Indigenous knowledge systems inform our teaching practices and enhance education? How do we create an education system that embodies an anti-racist approach and equity for all learners?

Just in time for , “Wayi Wah! Indigenous Pedagogies” is a powerful and engaging resource for non-Indigenous educators who want to learn more, are new to these conversations, or want to deepen their learning.

It’s our anniversary! There is no better time than to extend a big thank you and our forever gratitude to our extended community of readers who are as passionate about authentic storytelling as we are. Thank YOU for reading, sharing, liking, posting, buying and shouting *out loud* about the amazing HWP books by phenomenal Indigenous authors, artists and storytellers from across the country.

We are so grateful to have your support for over the last 15 years—here’s to many more! 🥳🎉

Pictured: Highlights from the last 15 years including the 50th anniversary of Portage & Main Press (our parent publisher), author Brandon Mitchell at the 2023 Angoulême International Comics Festival, authors David A. Robertson, and Tasha Spillet at the 2018 book launch for “Monsters” at McNally Robinson Booksellers, and selfies from illustrators Natasha Donovan and Veronika Barinova.

Happy release day to “Little by Little: You Can Change The World,” by Sonya Ballantyne!

This uplifting graphic biography is a great find for any young person who wants to believe in the power of using their voice to inspire change.

When Michael finds out about an upcoming youth conference, he sees his chance. But when he gets to the conference, he’s the youngest person there! And the speaker on stage is saying things about his community that aren’t true. Will Michael be brave enough to use his voice to stand up for what he knows is right?

Happy Release Day to “We Are the Medicine,” the highly-anticipated conclusion to Tasha Spillett’s Surviving the City series!

Miikwan and Dez are in their final year of high school. Poised at the edge of the rest of their lives, they have a lot to decide on. When the teens start to struggle with feelings of helplessness in the face of injustice, can they find the strength to channel their frustration into action towards a more hopeful future?

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Encourage students’ natural curiosity about science and the world around them and inspire them with hands-on activities to help them explore their environment with the “Hands-On Science and Technology for Ontario, Grade 4.”

Using an inquiry approach, this comprehensive and engaging resource:

🧪fosters students’ understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills
🧪makes coding and emerging technologies approachable for both teachers and students
🧪emphasizes personalized learning using a four-part instructional process: activate, action, consolidate and debrief, enhance
🧪relates science and technology to sustainability and our changing world, including society, the economy, and the environment.. and more!

“Hands-On Science and Technology for Ontario, Grade 4” comes out this November and is available for pre-order now on our website at the link in our bio.

Did you know the “7 Generations: Stone” by David A. Robertson was the very first HWP title published back in 2012?

Revisit the saga where it all began with Edwin, a young man who must discover his family’s past if he is to have any future. Edwin learns of his ancestor, Stone, a Plains Cree warrior who came of age in the early 19th century. When Stone’s older brother is tragically killed during a Blackfoot raid, he must overcome his grief to avenge his brother’s death.

The Teacher's Guide for 7 Generations Series is also available FREE on our website.

Read the other books in the Surviving the City series in time for the newly released third volume, “We Are the Medicine!”

🏙️ In “Surviving the City,” Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape—they’re so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez’s grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can’t stay with her anymore.

🏙️ In “From the Roots Up,” Dez’s grandmother has passed away. Grieving, and with nowhere else to go, they’re living in a group home. On top of everything else, Dez is navigating a new relationship and coming into their identity as a Two-Spirit person.

After the events of “Version Control,” Brady’s mind is fractured, and he can’t distinguish between what really happened and what Mikho made him believe. Eva and Cole may have to face this terrifying threat without him. It’s a grim prospect, but a new discovery might just change everything: God Flare.

Will Brady recover enough to join the fight? Can Cole come to terms with his abilities in spite of his PTSD? And will God Flare help even the odds against Mihko?

Find out in the latest volume of The Reckoner Rises series! Available for pre-order now.

Get prepped ahead of the new school year! Whether you’re a parent or educator, we’ve rounded up some fantastic resources that will help you introduce important topics to the classroom for kids in any grade.

✏️ “Hands-On Science and Technology for Ontario, Grade 1,” encourages students’ natural curiosity about science and the world around them as they participate in hands-on activities and explore their environment.
✏️ “Achieving Indigenous Student Success” is for all teachers of grades 9–12 who are looking for ways to infuse Indigenous perspectives into their courses.
✏️ “Grand Conversations, Thoughtful Responses” author Faye Brownlie provides structures and strategies in this book to help students develop confidence and competence in their reading.

You find these resources and more available now on our website at the link in our bio.

Based on a true story, “The Rez Doctor” follows Young Ryan Fox, a good student who’s not sure what he wants to be when he grows up. It isn’t until he meets a Blackfoot doctor during a school assembly that he starts to dream big.

However, becoming a doctor isn’t easy. University takes Ryan away from his family and the Siksikaitsitapi community, and without their support, he begins to struggle. Faced with more stress than he’s ever experienced, he turns to partying. Distracted from his responsibilities, his grades start to slip. His bills pile up. Getting into med school feels impossible. And now his beloved uncle is in jail. Can Ryan regain his footing to walk the path he saw so clearly as a boy?

Pre-order your copy today at our website, or wherever books are sold.

“Resurgence” is an inspiring collection of contemporary Indigenous poetry, art, and narratives that guides K–12 educators in bridging existing curricula with Indigenous voices and pedagogies.

In this resource, you will find:

⭐Diverse Indigenous voices, perspectives, and art forms from a variety of nations and locations

⭐Valuable concepts and methods that can be applied to the classroom and beyond

⭐Practical action steps and resources for educators, parents, librarians, and administrators

Great news! This year’s Barry Lank winner is Sonya Ballantyne's film "Nosisim" (2017). The DOC Manitoba Barry Lank Award is presented annually to a filmmaker whose outstanding work in the social awareness or social justice documentary genre is highlighted in a specific film.

And for more of Sonya's work, don't forget you can now preorder the highly anticipated new books, "Little by Little" and "Between the Pipes," which they also helped script. 📚

Order your copies today on our website!

Nosisim (NSI IndigiDocs) (Short documentary) Sonya learns of her grandmother's traumatic past through a drawing by famed Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig.

Congratulations to David A. Robertson, author of the upcoming Fall release , on his new memoir with HarperCollins Canada, "All the Little Monsters!" 🥳 📖 His new memoir will discuss mental health and detail how he learned to live with his anxiety even as a successful author.

Interesting Fact: Did you know the character Cole in The Reckoner Rises series struggles with anxiety?

Read the full synopsis of Robertson's memoir at the link below!

Raise your hand if you love a good paperback! ✋This convenient format is one of the best ways to travel around with a great book—and they fit great on our shelves, too!

Did you know that the first paperback was published in England back in 1935?

In honour of our sleek-looking friends, which paperbacks will you be reading for ? Tag us in the comments with .

Migizi loves Gookom so much. He wants to let her know by giving her the perfect gift to cheer her up while she is in the hospital. The gift should be as sweet as her kisses and as warm as her smiles. He asks his family and friends for help, but none of the ideas are quite right. Can he find her the perfect gift?

Do you have a favourite book in The Seven Teachings Stories series? Let us know in the comments.

Explore the question of “What is?” in this fun, thoughtful book for curious minds!

Miskwaadesi is learning so much in school. She is learning about the world she lives in and what it means to be a part of it. However, when her class learns about the teaching Truth, Miskwaadesi doesn’t understand.

Learn different Anishinaabe teachings in these fun and engaging illustrated stories fit for any blossoming young reader:

—In “Singing Sisters,” a young Anishinaabe girl learns to put aside her pride and sibling rivalry to share her love of singing with her sister.
— In “The First Day,” a young Anishinaabe boy learns that things that seem scary at first are often not so bad after all as he navigates the is first day at a new school
— In “Kode's Quest(ion),” an Anishinaabe girl explores what respect means and how to be a respectful member of a community, the environment, and ourselves.

Have you had the chance to read them all?

“Filled with accessible information about ecosystems and culture, ‘The Raven Mother’ is an enjoyable read that will be a great teaching tool for the target audience. I quite enjoyed reading it and will definitely be sharing it with my own child when she’s older. And I am going to gush about the artwork in this book. I really, really loved everything about it, so major props to Natasha Donovan." —The Library Ladies

The Mother of Xsan series connects the world to the matrilineal society of the Gitxsan nation and the diversity of ecology, language and science of being Gitxsan. Catch up on the other titles in the Mother of Xsan series before picking up the new release, “The Bee Mother,” available now.

An Anishinaabe child shares his talent for storytelling and learns to embrace his insecurities in “Misaabe’s Stories.”

Misaabe tells great stories—stories about saving a city from giant green trolls, reading supersonic books with x-ray glasses, and how his dad is a secret agent fighting bad guys, and that’s why he can’t come to visit. When Misaabe’s stories go too far, he must learn how to be honest and authentic with his friends.