Surviving the City

Reach for this book when your teen is beginning to grapple with systemic injustice or when they feel the heavy weight of social issues they see in the news. It is a vital resource for navigating conversations about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) crisis, foster care, and the enduring strength of cultural identity. This graphic novel follows two best friends, Miikwan and Dez, as they navigate life in an urban environment while facing the threat of being separated by a cold social services system. Through their journey, the story highlights the profound power of community support and ancestral connection. While the themes are serious, the book is appropriate for ages 12 and up because it balances harsh realities with beautiful illustrations of spiritual resilience and friendship. It serves as both a mirror for Indigenous youth and a window for others to understand contemporary challenges through a lens of hope and solidarity. Parents will find this an essential tool for discussing how community ties can provide safety and healing in the face of institutional failure.