If I Go Missing

Gr 8 Up–In 2016, at 14, Jonnie wrote a letter to the Winnipeg chief of police, detailing the neglect and abuse Indigenous women have suffered and citing statistics of violent crimes that either were not investigated or were treated without any semblance of urgency or importance. With coauthor Shingoose and illustrator Shannacappo, her missive has been transformed into a powerful graphic novel. The words are striking, honest, and mature, and the call to action is unmistakable as she directs law enforcement to simply do better. Shannacappo’s sweeping, haunting depictions illuminate the dangers that Indigenous women face regularly and at a disproportionate rate. On the whole, this is a highly effective way to convey an important social message to readers unaware of this issue.