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Visions of the Crow (Dreams, 1)
“Your ancestors have called us to help you.” “I think y'all have the wrong number.” Damon Quinn just wants to get through his senior year unscathed. His mom struggles with alcohol and is barely coping with the day-to-day. Marcus and his cronies at school are forever causing Damon trouble. The new girl, Journey, won't mind her own business. To make matters worse, now a mysterious crow is following him everywhere. After he is seized by a waking dream in the middle of a busy street, Damon is forced to confront his mom with some hard Why haven't I met my dad? Where did we come from? Who am I? Damon must look within himself, mend the bond with his mother, and rely on new friends to find the answers he so desperately needs. Travelling through time and space, Damon will have to go back before he can move forward.
80 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 10, 2023
VISIONS OF THE CROW is the first volume in a graphic novel series by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by nicole marie burton. The book follows Damon Quinn, a Cree-Métis and high school senior, as he navigates the challenges of his everyday life, from dealing with a troubled mother to facing bullying at school. To complicate things further, he is being followed by a mysterious crow, and he is haunted by a waking dream that forces him to confront his past and search for his true identity.
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and set the tone for the emotional journey Damon goes through. VISIONS OF THE CROW is an emotional and thought-provoking graphic novel that tackles difficult subjects with sensitivity and grace.
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June 25, 2023
This is the first book in a new series by Wanda John-Kehewin, where we follow Cree-Métis teenager Damon Quinn as he explores his identities and culture through dreams, visions, therapy sessions and conversations that he has with his mom and best friend Journey.
There are some heavy themes in this graphic novel, including racially motivated bullying at school, intergenerational trauma, alcoholism and colonialism. But a path forward for Damon is shown, one filled with intergenerational healing, spiritual & cultural connections, and a sense of belonging. Books like this are so important, as the author says “my life would have been easier if I had been able to access books that I could see myself, my community, and my experiences in. Such stories would have given me a sense of hope and belonging.”
My main takeaway from this book, and something I want to pass on to anyone who needs to hear this: It doesn’t matter how disconnected you are, your ancestors, your culture will always find you.
Thank you so much to HighWater Press for this gifted copy. This is a great book for all to learn a bit about Plains Cree culture, histories and intergenerational impacts that reverb across time.
There are some heavy themes in this graphic novel, including racially motivated bullying at school, intergenerational trauma, alcoholism and colonialism. But a path forward for Damon is shown, one filled with intergenerational healing, spiritual & cultural connections, and a sense of belonging. Books like this are so important, as the author says “my life would have been easier if I had been able to access books that I could see myself, my community, and my experiences in. Such stories would have given me a sense of hope and belonging.”
My main takeaway from this book, and something I want to pass on to anyone who needs to hear this: It doesn’t matter how disconnected you are, your ancestors, your culture will always find you.
Thank you so much to HighWater Press for this gifted copy. This is a great book for all to learn a bit about Plains Cree culture, histories and intergenerational impacts that reverb across time.
May 27, 2023
TW: alcoholism, addiction, intergenerational trauma, racism, bullying
Thank you to Highwater Press for sending this book for review!
Visions of the Crow follows Damon, a Metis/Cree teenager experiencing visions and his friend, a crow that has found him and sticks by him. He also has a friend named Journey, who decides "We Natives need to stick together."
Damon's story was especially sad for all the ways intergenerational trauma has effected the younger generations of residential school survivors. But this story also showed the reality of addiction, that some days are good and some days are less than ideal. I absolutely LOVED the illustration of the visions, the color that spread through the pages and contrasted his day-to-day.
I highly recommend giving this a read!
Thank you to Highwater Press for sending this book for review!
Visions of the Crow follows Damon, a Metis/Cree teenager experiencing visions and his friend, a crow that has found him and sticks by him. He also has a friend named Journey, who decides "We Natives need to stick together."
Damon's story was especially sad for all the ways intergenerational trauma has effected the younger generations of residential school survivors. But this story also showed the reality of addiction, that some days are good and some days are less than ideal. I absolutely LOVED the illustration of the visions, the color that spread through the pages and contrasted his day-to-day.
I highly recommend giving this a read!
January 4, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
This graphic novel is a look into the urban indigenous life in Canada. Damon is working on dealing with his mother's drinking and his senior year of high school. During all of this, he must deal with visions from his ancestors.
This was an interesting book to read. It is a good one for anyone interested in reading about life changes.
This graphic novel is a look into the urban indigenous life in Canada. Damon is working on dealing with his mother's drinking and his senior year of high school. During all of this, he must deal with visions from his ancestors.
This was an interesting book to read. It is a good one for anyone interested in reading about life changes.
December 4, 2022
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Although the blurb may make this sound like a supernatural thriller, in fact it is an exploration of what it means to be indigenous Canadian and respecting Native American heritage. Lead character Damon begins experiencing dreams about his culture and through those he comes to appreciate why things are so hard for him now - and for his family/ancestors. The author and artist are both Canadian Indigenous and draw upon their own perspectives in order to tell Damon's story about becoming a leader of his people.Story: Damon at times hates life: his single mother drinks too much, the family is poor, he is bullied at school for being 'Indian', and has no friends. But as a crow begins to follow him around and he makes friends with a new student who also has indigenous ancestry, he begins to receive visions about the past and what his ancestors had to endure to survive. These dreams put into perspective his Metis-Cree heritage.
I have never been a fan of magical realism but I do appreciate what the author/artist is conveying here. Tales of children taken from their parents, alcoholism, abuse, isolation, and injustices from the Indigenous nations is a heartbreaking aspect of Canada's history that simply cannot be told enough. The 'magical' episodes of the daylight dreams as well as a mystical spirit guide are used as a way for Damon to finally come to understand and appreciate his heritage - one that his mother never shared with him. This shared history will draw them closer.
The art is awkward - good enough to tell the story but problematic at times in terms of character positions and story segues. The panels are straightforward and I would have liked to see more creativity in that aspect. The story is somewhat clunky and the character of Journey is completely wasted and not needed at all. But even with the weaknesses, I'd still want this author and this artist to tell the story.
So although this does have weaknesses, it is an important story to tell and one that should be required reading in schools to help give perspective and pathos to the Native American experience - in Canada and the US. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
April 20, 2023
Visions of the Crow is volume 1 of The Dreams Series of graphic novels by Wanda John-Kehewin and nicole marie burton. It follows Damon Quinn, a Cree-Métis teenager in his senior year of high school. He has a rocky relationship with his mother who struggles with alcoholism, he’s bullied at school, and he doesn’t understand his heritage. To make matters worse, a mysterious crow is following him everywhere and won’t leave him alone. Soon after the crow appears Damon begins to have visions in which he learns about his ancestors and Indigenous history. This prompts him to confront his mother and connect with his culture.
Visions of the Crow touches on important topics that aren’t commonly discussed in books for children and teens. It gracefully discusses the lasting impacts of colonialism and residential schools, and gives space for nuance that often isn’t afforded to Indigenous peoples and stories because of the negative perceptions and stereotypes that are prevalent in Canadian media and society. This book also discusses intergenerational trauma and handles it with care. I love the way Damon learns about his history, and his interactions with his ancestors succinctly show the importance of cultural connections while also seriously examining Indigenous history and colonialism.
nicole marie burton’s art is clean and focused, and I love the difference in art between Damon’s daily life and his visions, with the visions being more vibrant and colourful. There were a couple of moments where the writing or art could have been better or the transitions between scenes smoother, but overall I enjoyed this book. I think it will resonate with everyone who picks it up, and it will be a great way to spark conversations for its intended YA audience. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Damon’s journey in volume 2!
Thank you Highwater Press for sending me a copy to review.
Rating: 4.5/5
Visions of the Crow touches on important topics that aren’t commonly discussed in books for children and teens. It gracefully discusses the lasting impacts of colonialism and residential schools, and gives space for nuance that often isn’t afforded to Indigenous peoples and stories because of the negative perceptions and stereotypes that are prevalent in Canadian media and society. This book also discusses intergenerational trauma and handles it with care. I love the way Damon learns about his history, and his interactions with his ancestors succinctly show the importance of cultural connections while also seriously examining Indigenous history and colonialism.
nicole marie burton’s art is clean and focused, and I love the difference in art between Damon’s daily life and his visions, with the visions being more vibrant and colourful. There were a couple of moments where the writing or art could have been better or the transitions between scenes smoother, but overall I enjoyed this book. I think it will resonate with everyone who picks it up, and it will be a great way to spark conversations for its intended YA audience. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Damon’s journey in volume 2!
Thank you Highwater Press for sending me a copy to review.
Rating: 4.5/5
March 4, 2024
The author: “When I was growing up on the Kehewin Cree Nation, which is a reserve in Alberta, I read many books… [but] they showed a different world from the one I lived in – the world of my reserve, which experienced serious social problems like abuse, addiction, loss of parents and traditional parenting, and incarcerated family members… There just weren’t any stories out there that represented our lives or showed us ways to deal with our experiences that would keep us intact. This made me feel very alone. It was difficult for me to explain my experiences to others.”
Enter Dreams: Visions of the Crow, in which Damon is definitely struggling, yet has people (and a crow) who reach out to him, even if he’s initially reluctant to acknowledge them. It definitely reflects teen talk and humor; kudos to the author for that. We see bullying, violence, alcoholism and visions. We’re reminded of the long-term effects of generations forced into residential schools. But more importantly, we’re treated to a sense of hope and understanding.
“Learning about where we came from tells us where we need to go.”
“I want you to stay sober and I’m learning about relapse. I’m not judging you.”
The illustrations are outstanding, the story is well-paced and the characters are believable. More importantly, the character arcs offer the reader tools, insights and understanding. This book is not just for Indigenous teens; it’s for anyone who interacts with them. Let stories like this prevent kids from feeling alone – or clueless about how others live and feel.
Thanks, Wanda John-Kehewin and nicole marie burton, for a great graphic novel.
This review also appears at https://yadudebooks.ca/
Enter Dreams: Visions of the Crow, in which Damon is definitely struggling, yet has people (and a crow) who reach out to him, even if he’s initially reluctant to acknowledge them. It definitely reflects teen talk and humor; kudos to the author for that. We see bullying, violence, alcoholism and visions. We’re reminded of the long-term effects of generations forced into residential schools. But more importantly, we’re treated to a sense of hope and understanding.
“Learning about where we came from tells us where we need to go.”
“I want you to stay sober and I’m learning about relapse. I’m not judging you.”
The illustrations are outstanding, the story is well-paced and the characters are believable. More importantly, the character arcs offer the reader tools, insights and understanding. This book is not just for Indigenous teens; it’s for anyone who interacts with them. Let stories like this prevent kids from feeling alone – or clueless about how others live and feel.
Thanks, Wanda John-Kehewin and nicole marie burton, for a great graphic novel.
This review also appears at https://yadudebooks.ca/
January 29, 2023
The book sneaks up on you. It appears to be a troubled youth who is being picked on at school for being Indigenous, and from there it moves into visions that Damon is having. First they are in his dreams, and then they are happening when he is awake. And bits from the dreams appear after he has had them, such as when he dreams of picking berries, and collecting them in his backpack, and then when he returns home, he finds them there.
His mother is an alcoholic, and wants nothing to do with ehr past, including her Indigenous past, and has told him nothing about it, so she is surprised when he not only starts asking questions, but starts using words in the Cree language, the people she comes from.
It is a short quick graphic novel, only 80 pages, but it tells the story, or at least the beginnings of the story, of how Damon becomes aware of not only his past, but his people’s past, including residency school, and the signing of treaty six.
Representation matters, and to have this tale of magic and history with modern urban Indigenous First Nation and Matis people is a good introduction to children of the same.
I read one review where the artwork was complained about, but for me, it might not be slick, but it serves its purpose.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for making this book available for an honest review.
His mother is an alcoholic, and wants nothing to do with ehr past, including her Indigenous past, and has told him nothing about it, so she is surprised when he not only starts asking questions, but starts using words in the Cree language, the people she comes from.
It is a short quick graphic novel, only 80 pages, but it tells the story, or at least the beginnings of the story, of how Damon becomes aware of not only his past, but his people’s past, including residency school, and the signing of treaty six.
Representation matters, and to have this tale of magic and history with modern urban Indigenous First Nation and Matis people is a good introduction to children of the same.
I read one review where the artwork was complained about, but for me, it might not be slick, but it serves its purpose.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for making this book available for an honest review.
June 7, 2023
DREAMS Visons of the Crow, Wanda John-Kehewin & Nicole Marie Burton
Out now by @zgstories
Dream Series: Visions of the Crow (Volume 1) is a new graphic novel featuring a Cree-Métis teen. Damon is a grade 12 student grappling with issues at home including a distant mother who leans heavily on alcohol as a means to numb her trauma. At school he is inundated with bullying and racism that goes unchecked. Damon is trying to find his place in the world and claim his identity that includes finally understanding his indigineity. To help his journey is a crow who brings upon dreams and visions that transition from being scary to confusing and then empowering. All of which are part of the beautifully woven story that seeks to aid readers in critical thinking and reflection on the “strength and determination of their ancestors and by bring those values into the future to continue making a positive impact in their communities” (Kehewin, p. 75).
I am looking forward to the next in the Dream Series: Visions From the Fire (Volume 2)
Thank you to @zgstories and the authors for my gifted copy!
Out now by @zgstories
Dream Series: Visions of the Crow (Volume 1) is a new graphic novel featuring a Cree-Métis teen. Damon is a grade 12 student grappling with issues at home including a distant mother who leans heavily on alcohol as a means to numb her trauma. At school he is inundated with bullying and racism that goes unchecked. Damon is trying to find his place in the world and claim his identity that includes finally understanding his indigineity. To help his journey is a crow who brings upon dreams and visions that transition from being scary to confusing and then empowering. All of which are part of the beautifully woven story that seeks to aid readers in critical thinking and reflection on the “strength and determination of their ancestors and by bring those values into the future to continue making a positive impact in their communities” (Kehewin, p. 75).
I am looking forward to the next in the Dream Series: Visions From the Fire (Volume 2)
Thank you to @zgstories and the authors for my gifted copy!
Read
November 26, 2023Damon Quinn, is the son of an absent Métis father and an alcoholic Cree mother. But, he doesn’t really know who he is. He’s tormented at school by racist bullies. Nothing in Damon’s life seems good. He just wants is to leave everything behind. Then things begin to change. Out of the blue, a black crow begins following him around. He meets a new student named Journey and she insists that she and Damon should stick together because they are both Indigenous.
Things the become weird as Damon begins entering dreams that feel incredibly lifelike. In them, he learns from his ancestors about his cultural roots.
I felt sorry for Damon and anger with his mother. His therapist aggravated me because he didn’t seem to take Damon’s problems seriously.
I hope Visions if the Crow is just the beginning. I want Damon to develop a relationship with his ancestors, his mother to recover and find companionship in Journey.
Like the story, the illustrations are cold and dark. Sibal beautifully drew the perfect illustrations to make the reader feel and understand Damon.
Things the become weird as Damon begins entering dreams that feel incredibly lifelike. In them, he learns from his ancestors about his cultural roots.
I felt sorry for Damon and anger with his mother. His therapist aggravated me because he didn’t seem to take Damon’s problems seriously.
I hope Visions if the Crow is just the beginning. I want Damon to develop a relationship with his ancestors, his mother to recover and find companionship in Journey.
Like the story, the illustrations are cold and dark. Sibal beautifully drew the perfect illustrations to make the reader feel and understand Damon.
February 7, 2023
What starts as a look into the life of a troubled teen turns into the most vibrant and awe inspiring journey of self discovery. This graphic novel follows a Indigenous Canadian teen Damon as he discovers his past, confronts his present, and learns to heal his generational wounds but with a supernatural element of Damon experiencing dreams, visions, and so much more. Scenes with Damon’s ancestors are not only raw but beautiful leaving the reader in awe of what has happened to the past generations. Every panel was an explosion of color and each character was lovingly unique from one another. The Author Wanda John-Kehewin, a Indigenous Canadian, is truly telling a beautiful story of trauma, healing, and beauty while the artists Nicole Marie Burton and Kielamel Sibal capture every scene in remarkable detail. This is definitely a series to watch and will be a great help for teens to understand the lost history and culture of the Indigenous Canadian tribes and their struggles today.
January 31, 2024
Visions of the Crow by Cree writer Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by nicole marie burton features teen Damon Quinn, a Cree-Métis high school senior, in an urban indigenous story. Damon faces bullying at school for being indigenous (though one of his bullies may be indigenous-in-hiding) and struggles with a young mom who left the rez, pregnant and alcoholic, still struggling. What I liked about the story is that Damon is followed by a mysterious crow, and has night and day dreams that push him to consider his cultural past in order to begin healing. One of those dreams takes him to a residential school where his grandmother was raised.
So it's about generational trauma, and spiritual healing. I like the story and will read on; I found it inventive and interesting. I like that crow, especially. And Damon's friend Journey. I don't really love the largely simple digital art, but it's okay for the purpose.
So it's about generational trauma, and spiritual healing. I like the story and will read on; I found it inventive and interesting. I like that crow, especially. And Damon's friend Journey. I don't really love the largely simple digital art, but it's okay for the purpose.
October 7, 2023
I'm a little mixed on how I feel about this.
On one hand, I love how accessible this is; I can see reluctant readers enjoying this and I think it could fit a lot of lessons in any school's curriculum.
Though I think students could appreciate the low page count, I wish the pacing was a little more drawn out. It didn't feel rushed, per se, but I think readers would benefit from more panels to really settle into scenes and character interactions.
The art wasn't my favorite, but it didn't detract from the story. Absolutely could just be preference.
The section about healing and relapse was 10/10 so soft and, though maybe not 100% realistic, is a great conversation starter or reason to delve deeper into the subject. Again, especially for young/reluctant readers.
On one hand, I love how accessible this is; I can see reluctant readers enjoying this and I think it could fit a lot of lessons in any school's curriculum.
Though I think students could appreciate the low page count, I wish the pacing was a little more drawn out. It didn't feel rushed, per se, but I think readers would benefit from more panels to really settle into scenes and character interactions.
The art wasn't my favorite, but it didn't detract from the story. Absolutely could just be preference.
The section about healing and relapse was 10/10 so soft and, though maybe not 100% realistic, is a great conversation starter or reason to delve deeper into the subject. Again, especially for young/reluctant readers.
October 28, 2023
Damon's mom is always drunk, and he is constantly bullied by several boys at school. He keeps to himself, and he likes it that way, thank you very much. When Journey, a new girl at school, tries to befriend him, he is pretty cruel to her. But then the crow starts following him around, and the visions start. What exactly is going on? He will need to mend the relationship with his mother and all the friends he can find to figure out why the visions have singled him out.
August 17, 2023
This describes some of the true story (and history) of North America's Indigenous Peoples. This may be fiction, but it hits hard and with difficult truths. I want to read more like this and look forward to Visions From the Fire (Volume 2).
December 27, 2023
I wanted to like this- Cree lore, vision quests, an angry young man trying to fix his relationship with his mother and his own people? Sign me up! But the pacing was bad and the art was sadly not good.
November 29, 2024
I enjoyed this slim graphic novel about an Indigenous teen in Canada who suddenly begins experiencing waking dreams about his ancestors. My only complaint is that I immediately wanted to pick up the next book, because it's clearly a series, and there isn't any! I hope we get one!
July 26, 2023
An important story that still felt incomplete. I'm looking forward to the next volume.
*Probable purchase
*Probable purchase
November 7, 2023
this had some really insightful things to say about addiction, generational trauma and healing. considering this is only vol. 1 I'm very interested in reading more!
November 24, 2023
Heavy themes but such a poignant and real story. I hope this book finds you well and teaches you either about yourself and/or compassion.
December 10, 2023
Glad and welcoming of the representation, but for me was a bit heavy handed in the delivery.
December 24, 2023
It all seemed pretty rushed and quite a bit unrealistic. I did like the dream art and message though.
May 1, 2024
There appear to be interesting ideas adrift here, but their seemingly amateur execution means they never quite land.
May 20, 2024
I loved this book/volume! I scoured the internet looking for volume 2 and realised it hasn’t been released yet :(
I loved learning about indigenous culture and I can’t wait for the next volume!
I loved learning about indigenous culture and I can’t wait for the next volume!
December 1, 2025
This story was incredible. Beautifully told and crafted. I am actively seeking out other books from this author and illustrators.
December 1, 2025
Will there be another one??
March 29, 2023
📖Visions of the Crow: Dreams by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by nicole marie burton
A compelling story about reconnecting with one’s culture. It was enlightening to learn alongside Damon Quinn and seeing his mom, Marnie, reflect on the effects of generational trauma.
This graphic novel is in stores today. Thank you to Highwater Press for my copy in return for an honest review.
A compelling story about reconnecting with one’s culture. It was enlightening to learn alongside Damon Quinn and seeing his mom, Marnie, reflect on the effects of generational trauma.
This graphic novel is in stores today. Thank you to Highwater Press for my copy in return for an honest review.
December 19, 2023
An intriguing read! I liked the overall concept and characters. I'm interested in seeing what volume 2 has in store!
June 20, 2023
This was a great graphic novel - this was all about a teen who is disconnected from his indigenous heritage, with a mom who is struggling with alcohol and her past. They come together and see the history in dreams, but find a way to start to heal together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews