Independent Graphic Novel
Two Tribes
by Emily Bowen Cohen
Heartdrum (2023), 256 pages
The authors story of navigating her Muscogee-Jewish heritage and wanting to be a part of both worlds leads her on a journey that connects her with multiple aspects of her identity. I think this story is very relatable and creates a feeling of longing to know the parts of your personal history that help to make you whole. This is a wonderful journey of discovery, culture and family coming together. ( )

Gr 5 Up—Mia lives in Los Angeles with her Jewish mother and stepfather. Using money from her bat mitzvah, she
sneaks away to Oklahoma to see her birth father and learn about their shared Muscogee heritage. Through narrative
and art, key aspects of Jewish and Muscogee traditions are explored, giving a fresh look at honoring multicultural
identities.

children's middlegrade graphic novel - nov 2023 bingo challenge: indigenous author, family meal, recipe included in book

A brown-skinned, half-Jewish, half Muscogee 11 y.o. feels out of place at her (primarily white) Los Angeles Jewish school and wishes to know more about her indigenous heritage, so she decides to take a bus trip to Tulsa/Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to visit her dad and his family without telling her mom/stepdad. Author is Jewish/Muscogee.

Beautiful artwork and exceptional storytelling -- I loved that readers could learn actual indigenous history (beliefs, customs, Trail of Tears) contrasted with the way that indigenous people have been inaccurately portrayed in schoolbooks, and I loved that these details were treated with as much reverence as the stories in the Torah and the Jewish customs that get shared in Mia's mom's family. Absolutely perfect -- more, please!!!!! ( )

Acoming-of-age tale about the beauty and challenges of embodying two cultures.

When a school bully declares that Mia is “not a real Indian” because she doesn’t conform to his stereotypes, the tween questions her right to claim a Native identity. Since her Jewish mother separated from her father when she was 3, Mia’s contact with her Muscogee relatives has been limited. Seeking to reconnect with that side of her heritage, Mia lies about attending a school trip and takes the bus from Los Angeles to visit her dad in Tulsa. The weekend goes well until her mom discovers her lie. Torah study with the rabbi, one of Mia’s punishments, helps her reflect on her actions, leading to frank conversations with her mom and stepfather about the importance of keeping her father and her Muscogee heritage in her life. Cohen depicts an authentically complicated Muscogee homecoming for Mia: a warm welcome that includes boundaries, with some spaces where she is not yet permitted and some knowledge her father cannot pass down. Yet within these restrictions lies space to grow, as modeled by Mia’s cousin, who shows her that there are different ways to live and express Muscogee identity. The story is well crafted, with Jewish and Muscogee beliefs integrated to great effect and art that enhances the text.

A powerful graphic novel about honoring every part of our identity. (author’s note, Mvskoke glossary, note from Cynthia Leitich Smith) (Graphic fiction. 9-13)

-Kirkus Review

Recommended Ages: Gr.

Plot Summary: Mia is getting close to her bat mitzvah but struggling with her identity. She has not had contact with her dad in a long time and really wants to explore that part of her identity, especially after facing some racist comments at school for her brown skin. With the support of her best friend, Mia decides to secretly take the bus to Oklahoma to visit her dad. She tells her dad she's coming and lies that she has permission from her mom. After finding a brown family at the bus station to help her travel on her own, she arrives. Her dad is so happy to see her. His new family welcomes her lovingly. She stays for a while until her mom figures out what happened. Will she have to go back home? Did Mia get what she needed?

Setting: West Hills, California to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Characters:
Mia - half Jewish, half Native American

Recurring Themes: identity, longing, family, friendship, racism, belonging, independence, secrets

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: Very well done graphic novel. Relatable, important, and moving.

Genre: realistic fiction, graphic novel

Pacing: fast
Characters: well developed
Frame: author's note at the back explains this is based on her own identities, also explains within the community the word Indian is used but it's not appropriate for outsiders to use the word
Storyline:

Activity: ( )