Between the Pipes

by Albert McLeod, Elaine Mordoch (Contribution by), Sonya Ballantyne (Contribution by), Alice RL (Illustrator)

Overview

Thirteen-year-old Chase’s life and identity should be simple. He’s the goalie for his hockey team, the Eagles. He’s a friend to Kevin and Jade. He's Kookum's youngest grandchild. He’s a boy. He should like girls.

But it’s not that simple. Chase doesn’t like girls the way that the other boys do. It’s scary being so different from his peers. Scarier still is the feeling that his teammates can tell who he is—and that they hate him for it. If he pretends hard enough, maybe he can hide the truth.

Real strength and change can’t come from a place of shame. Chase’s dreams are troubled by visions of a bear spirit, and the more he tries to hide, the more everything falls apart. With the help of an Elder and a Two-Spirit mentor, can Chase find the strength to be proud of who he is?

Between the Pipes explores toxic masculinity in hockey through the experiences of an Indigenous teen.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781774921043
Publisher:	Portage & Main Press
Publication date:	09/10/2024
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.14(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. He has over thirty years of experience as a human rights activist and was one of the founders of 2-Spirited People of Manitoba. Albert is a member of the team who designed "Thunderhead," the winning concept for the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa.

Elaine Mordoch is an Associate Professor and Research Affiliate at the College of Nursing, University of Manitoba. Her research focuses on topics such as Indigenous students’ perceptions of intergenerational trauma on education, suicide prevention, and most recently, with Elder Albert McLeod, the lived experiences of Two-Spirit people. Elaine enjoys writing poetry, visiting her 7 grandchildren, and walking her lovely old dogs.

Sonya Ballantyne (she, they) is a Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker, and speaker based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her work focuses on contemporary and futuristic portrayals of Indigenous women and girls. Her published works include the children’s book Kerri Berry Lynn as well as contributions to anthologies such as Pros and (Comic) Cons and Women Love Wrestling.

Alice RL (they/them/their) is a professional illustrator and art teacher based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a non-binary Ojibwe artist, Alice draws inspiration from their life experiences and cultural teachings. Alice blends these inspirations with a signature palette of bright, playful hues to create stunning juxtapositions of human brutality and emotion with hope and whimsy.

Kielamel “Kiela” Sibal (she, her) is a Filipino Canadian letterer, graphic designer, cartoonist, writer, and illustrator. She is passionately curious about the craft of different storytelling methods, from comics and video games to film and illustration. Born in Pampanga, Philippines, Kiela currently conducts her sparkling antics of wizardry in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

What People are Saying About This

author of Returning to Ceremony Chantal Fiola

Although Between the Pipes doesn't shy away from the homophobia and bullying that affect 2SLGBTQI+ youth today, it shows that hope also abounds. Featuring Two-Spirit role models, supportive friends and family, and the power of culture and ceremonies, this story illuminates a path towards self-acceptance, confidence, and inclusive community.