42 pages • 1 hour read
Patti LaBoucane-Benson, Transl. Kelly MellingsThe Outside Circle
Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | YA | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Outside Circle by Patti LaBoucane-Benson and Kelly Mellings portrays Pete Carver, an Aboriginal man involved in gang violence, who embarks on a healing journey through the In Search of Your Warrior Program after a series of personal crises. The novel explores themes of historical trauma, cultural reconnection, and personal transformation among Indigenous people. The novel contains references to violence, substance abuse, and abuse of Indigenous people.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Outside Circle by Patti LaBoucane-Benson, illustrated by Kelly Mellings, receives acclaim for its powerful storytelling and impactful artwork, tackling themes of indigenous identity and systemic oppression. Critics praise its emotional depth and educational value but note that its intense subject matter may not be suitable for all readers.
Who Should Read The Outside Circle?
Readers who enjoy graphic novels with deep social commentary and cultural narratives, like Alison Bechdel's Fun Home or Art Spiegelman's Maus, will find The Outside Circle by Patti LaBoucane-Benson and Transl. Kelly Mellings compelling. This book appeals to those interested in Indigenous issues, personal redemption, and systemic challenges.
RecommendedReading Age
15-18yearsBook Details
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Incarceration
Identity: Indigenous
Society: Colonialism
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Education
Modern Classic Fiction