42 pages • 1 hour read
The Outside Circle
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
The Outside Circle
Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | YA | Published in 2015128
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Canada • 2010s
2015
YA
15-18 years
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.
Gritty
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
2,490 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
2,490 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joey Carver
Joey Carver
Pete’s younger brother, characterized by his innocence, who encounters systemic challenges due to his circumstances, and whose interactions with Pete highlight the novel's themes of community and family.
Elder Violet
Elder Violet
A mentor figure who leads the In Search of Your Warrior Program, offering guidance and support to help participants reconnect with their cultural heritage and heal from past traumas.
Bernice Carver
Bernice Carver
Pete and Joey’s mother, who battles personal challenges and addictions as she struggles with the effects of a traumatic past, providing important context to Pete’s journey.
Ray Carver
Ray Carver
Pete and Joey's uncle, a secondary character who emerges as a supportive mentor figure, facilitating family reconnection and offering insights into their shared heritage and past traumas.
128
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Canada • 2010s
2015
YA
15-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.