TWO TRIBES

A coming-of-age tale about the beauty and challenges of embodying two cultures.

When a school bully declares that Mia is “not a real Indian” because she doesn’t conform to his stereotypes, the tween questions her right to claim a Native identity. Since her Jewish mother separated from her father when she was 3, Mia’s contact with her Muscogee relatives has been limited. Seeking to reconnect with that side of her heritage, Mia lies about attending a school trip and takes the bus from Los Angeles to visit her dad in Tulsa. The weekend goes well until her mom discovers her lie. Torah study with the rabbi, one of Mia’s punishments, helps her reflect on her actions, leading to frank conversations with her mom and stepfather about the importance of keeping her father and her Muscogee heritage in her life. Cohen depicts an authentically complicated Muscogee homecoming for Mia: a warm welcome that includes boundaries, with some spaces where she is not yet permitted and some knowledge her father cannot pass down. Yet within these restrictions lies space to grow, as modeled by Mia’s cousin, who shows her that there are different ways to live and express Muscogee identity. The story is well crafted, with Jewish and Muscogee beliefs integrated to great effect and art that enhances the text.

A powerful graphic novel about honoring every part of our identity.