The Ribbon Skirt: A Graphic Novel

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

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Physical Properties

Description

Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing typically worn by girls in the Anishinaabe tradition, for an upcoming powwow. Anang is two-spirit and nonbinary and doesn't know what others will think of them wearing a ribbon skirt, but they're determined to follow their heart's desire. Anang sets off to gather the materials needed to make the skirt and turns to those around them -- their family, their human and turtle friends, the crows, and even the lake itself -- for help. And maybe they'll even find a new confidence within themself along the way.

Reviews

Praise for The Ribbon Skirt:

GLAAD Media Award Nominee

Amazon Best Book of the Month

Recipient of four starred reviews

"Mukwa clearly and concisely communicates the nature of being two-spirited in this dazzling graphic novel debut... An enlightening and satisfying look at one child's desire to advocate for themself and be respected by those around them." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This graphic novel tugs at the heartstrings. The story, though simple on the surface, explores deep themes of acceptance, friendship, belonging, and hope." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"The end of the book has engaging and informative details about topics including the history of ribbon skirts as well as how to behave if you visit a public powwow. A thorough bibliography and a series of informative author's notes for anyone interested in the history, culture, or the Southwestern Ojibwe words and phrases woven throughout the story wrap up the work. A heartwarmingly lovely story of a two-spirit child finding self-confidence, acceptance, and joy." -- Booklist, starred review

"Mukwa, a two-spirit Anishinaabe educator, gracefully portrays a Native kid exploring intersecting identities and finding unexpected pillars of strength and encouragement... [A] joyous graphic novel debut." -- Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Give this book to anyone who needs a bit of reassurance that they're courageous enough to be themselves." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A wonderful graphic novel about friendship, support, and embracing your authentic self." -- Andrew King, bookseller, Ridgecrest Books in Shoreline, WA

Author Bio

Cameron Mukwa is a two-spirit Anishinaabe cartoonist, illustrator, and children's educator whose portfolio of work is dedicated to showcasing Indigenous and transgender joy. The Ribbon Skirt is his first graphic novel. Visit him online at cameronmukwa.com.