Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen Published by Heartdrum on August 15, 2023
ISBN: 0062983598
Pages: 245
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
A middle grade graphic novel centered around a girl who is both Jewish and Native and who is struggling to honor both sides of her heritage. Mia lives with her mother and stepfather and they want her to embrace and focus on her Jewish heritage, immersing her in the culture and language of Judaism. But Mia’s estranged father is Muscogee and Mia wants to know more about his side of the family and how Native culture informs who she is, especially since she looks different from all of the other kids at her Jewish day school.
Mia knows that her father lives in Oklahoma with his new family, so she devises a plan to go see him and get much-needed answers about who he is, and therefore who she is. Using her bat mitzvah money and with the help of her best friend covering for her, she takes a bus from California to Oklahoma. Mia does get a window into her indigenous heritage, but she has lied to her mother about where she is and when the truth comes out, Mia has to reckon with her dishonesty. She returns home to California where she must attend Torah study with her rabbi, and while he is helpful in illuminating the impact and weight of her dishonesty, Mia also defends her need for agency and knowledge. The openness of the rabbi and his willingness to learn from Mia at the same time that he is teaching her is refreshing.
The book does a nice job explaining what it’s like to be of two worlds and the ache that comes from not being allowed to ask questions or celebrate a heritage that is important to you. The artwork is clear and engaging. The book is broken into sections separated by single-page drawings and a title like “The Seeds” and “Home on the Range”. The narrative is well-plotted and the conclusion is satisfying showing that when people are open to forgiveness and to change, relationships can be mended. A worthwhile book to put in any school or public library collection.
Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School