We are pleased to announce that the AY 2024-2025 Maine College of Art & Design First-Year Experience Common Read is the graphic novel Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band by Christian Staebler and Sonia Paoloni and illustrated by Thibault Balahy.
FYE Common Read Book
This year, the MECA&D First Year Students will read Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band and reflect on the themes of authenticity and resilience.
This richly illustrated novel embodies the energy of the 1970s by delving into the history of the pioneering band Redbone, known for its unique blend of rock, R&B, funk, and Native American musical elements. The book explores Redbone's rise to fame in the 1970s, their activism for Native American rights, and the cultural impact they made through their music.
"Beyond just a biography, the book explores the themes of identity, resiliency, and social justice," President Laura Freid and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Paul Gebhardt explain in a joint letter that incoming students will receive alongside a copy of the book.
While our entire community is encouraged to participate in the FYE Common Read, we have assigned Redbone to all first-year students to explore during the summer. Additionally, incoming students will engage with the work in creative formats that they share in an exhibition during orientation.
Copies of the book are available in the library.
In addition to academic and studio courses touching on themes from the book during the upcoming semester, corresponding events are planned for the broader MECA&D community. We hope you will join us as we explore identity, resiliency, and social justice themes.
Thank you to everyone who nominated titles and those who volunteered their time to review the book and provide feedback. We especially would like to thank Xander Munc '25 for creating the design for the 2024 Common Read packet sent to incoming students.