• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 6

Michael might be young, but he’s got a big heart and a strong sense of right and wrong. He knows it’s right to help people when they need it—but what can he do when so many people need help?

When Michael finds out about an upcoming youth conference, he sees his chance to learn more about helping others. But when he gets to the conference, he’s the youngest person there! And the speaker on stage is saying things about his community that aren’t true. Will Michael be brave enough to use his voice to stand up for what he knows is right?

Little by Little is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about how one Indigenous child sparked change and inspired others.

Sonya Ballantyne is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker, and speaker from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her work focuses on contemporary and futuristic portrayals of Indigenous women and girls. If you want a story about a cheeky Native girl or a presentation on the media’s portrayal of Indigenous women, she’s your go-to. Her published works include children’s book Kerri Berry Lynn as well as contributions to anthologies such as Pros and Comic Cons and Women Love Wrestling. She has also written for television, such as APTN’s Taken and the children’s show Wolf-Joe. She is currently working on her first feature film, a graphic novel memoir, and the forthcoming game The Walking Dead: Last MILE.

Sonya Ballantyne's profile page

Rhael McGregor is a Queer Two-Spirit/non-binary artist of both Métis and settler heritage working in comics and animation. Their works focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ imaginings of fantasy, sci-fi, and autobiography to tell stories they hope will help bring laughter, positivity, and acceptance to their readers. Rhael is well-known for their work on indie comics such as Tinder and Small Big Gay, as well as their anthology work with Quindrie Press and Iron Circus Comics. Rhael's currently working on their first graphic novel as an artist for HighWater Press.

Rhael McGregor's profile page

Toben Racicot is a comic book writer and letterer whose work has appeared in Crown & Anchor, Pilgrim's Dirge, Beastlands, Sidequest, and Juniper. He dreamt of being an aerospace engineer before failing high school physics. Now he studies role-playing games at the University of Waterloo.

Toben Racicot's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading

This inspiring story is told in graphic novel format...The illustrations are expressive....The result is a moving account of Michael’s [Redhead Champange] childhood in an format that is accessible to a range of reading levels.

Quill & Quire

A vibrant rainbow palette juxtaposes the darker realities of foster and adoption trauma, homelessness, and police hostility showcased in this motivational graphic memoir.

School Library Journal