Book Review: The Rez Doctor
Based on a true story, The Rez Doctor depicts the journey of a young Indigenous man to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor.
It is an inspiring coming-of-age story about setting goals, accepting compromise, and supporting others. It is an insightful narrative that includes themes of Indigenous representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and social and ethical issues relating to young adult men.
Young Ryan Fox gets good grades, but he’s not sure what he wants to be when he grows up. It isn’t until he meets a Blackfoot doctor during a school assembly that he starts to dream big.
As many may be aware, becoming a doctor isn’t easy for many reasons. University takes Ryan away from his family and the Siksikaitsitapi community, and without their support, he begins to struggle. Unfortunately, as he faces more stress than he’s ever experienced, he turns to unhealthy partying. Distracted from his responsibilities, his grades start to slip and his bills pile up causing greater stress. Getting into medical school feels impossible for him. He also has to cope with his beloved uncle being in jail.
This graphic novel is for ages 12 and up and is very inspirational. It is great to see positive youth stories about youth who achieve anything with support from family and community. The graphics are eye-catching with a lot of detail that really guide the story along.
It is great how there are more graphic novels now that reach youth who may not have time or be interested in a longer novel. This is a quick read.
Author Ryan “Gitz Crazyboy” Derangé MEd is a Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) and Dene father and Indigenous Educator from Mohkinasstsisi (Calgary). His passion and purpose is helping, guiding, and most importantly, learning from the next generation, and he has led many positions within the youth education profession.
As an activist, Gitz Crazyboy is known for his leadership and participation in establishing the Bear Clan Patrol in Calgary, as well as organizing with the Idle No More movement. He has spent most of his life learning and living with different Indigenous Nations around the world. His travels have taken him to Germany, Ecuador, Guyana, Puerto Rico, and sacred spaces all over North America.
Illustrated by Veronika Barinova and coloured by Azby Whitcalf.
Ryan “Gitz Crazyboy” Derangé, Illustrated by Veronika Barinova, Azby Whitcalf, and Toben Racicot, The Rez Doctor. Highwater Press: Winnipeg, 2024.
ISBN: 978-1553799245