The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne

A funny and fiercely authentic graphic novel memoir about finding your power, surviving high school, and growing up as a queer, geeky Indigenous kid.

In her heartfelt memoir, author Sonya Ballantyne gives us a look at her younger self’s diary and inner life as she struggles to find herself in the pop culture she loves. Before she was a successful writer, Sonya Ballantyne was just another kid growing up on the rez, searching for her place in the world. Her love of comics, fantasy novels, and movies helped her understand her life at school, her relationships with her family, and her identity.

But growing up wasn’t easy and Sonya faced racism and bullying at school. Turning to her favourite stories for strength, Sonya takes the lessons from superhero comics to be brave in the face of adversity, to grow from strife, and to keep pushing forward towards her dreams. How did she find her way to the other side and live to tell the tale?

Inside, readers will discover:

• Inclusive 2SLGBTQI+ representation: A vital, intersectional story exploring what it means to search for a reflection of yourself in the mainstream media you love.
• The power of fandom: A relatable look at how comic books, sci-fi, and geek culture can serve as a lifeline and a tool for resilience.
• Grounded and relatable themes: Lighthearted yet profound, tackling heavy subjects like school bullying, racism, and identity with humour and grace.
• Perfect for classrooms: An exceptional fit for middle grade and high school libraries (ages 12+) and Indigenous Studies curricula.