Cameron Mukwa's joy-filled graphic novel debut, The Ribbon Skirt, is a gratifying story about a two-spirit Anishinaabe kid who creates colorful regalia for the upcoming powwow.
Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing traditionally worn by cisgender girls, for the fancy dance event at the powwow. But the tween is anxious about what others will think and, at their grandparents' suggestion, seeks wisdom from "Gichigami, the lake." Gichigami (who speaks through both turtles and the water) is reassuring: "You cannot hide your joy because the hearts of others may not be open." Anang begins collecting supplies for the skirt. Nothing is purchased; rather, each needed item appears after a dream that becomes reality, such as friendly crows leaving scraps of fabric in trees. Former friend Sherry, who is temporarily living with Anang's family, tags along for the material-finding-journey but is consistently cruel about Anang's gender identity, hampering the tween's creative joy. Sherry's negativity is buoyed by humorous anecdotes, like crows playfully fighting with Sherry over the fabric, and squawking "Rude! Rude little human!"
Throughout, water spirits appear to Anang as swirling, patterned strands woven into the sea and sky; the comforting orange, blue, and red hues trail across pages and affirm both Anang's quest and identity. Back matter includes a glossary of Ojibwe terms and phrases (such as Anang's heartfelt "chi miigwech"--"many thanks"--to the spirits), notes from the author on topics depicted, a bibliography, and even a recipe. Mukwa, a two-spirit Anishinaabe educator, gracefully portrays a Native kid exploring intersecting identities and finding unexpected pillars of strength and encouragement. --Kieran Slattery, freelance reviewer, teacher, co-creator of Gender Inclusive Classrooms