I hope everyone is doing well. I’ve spent this week resting as I am suffering from a cold. I managed to stay up on my reading though while I was resting in bed. I am continuing my task for this November to read as many Indigenous books as possible. I think I’m doing pretty well. But am trying to put as much in as I can before the month is over.
This graphic novel stood out as one of my favorite pieces from my Indigenous reading Challenge.
The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa
Synopsis
This joyful coming of age novel features a diverse cast of pre-teen characters. These tweens are learning about the world around them. They are focused on learning about the spirits and traditions of their people and what is important to them.
The main protagonist of the the story is ten year old Anang. A ribbon skirt is an important piece of regalia that is often worn by girls in the Anishinaabe tradition. Nonetheless, Anang is a two spirit and non-binary individual. They are worried at first about the social fallout of them wearing a ribbon skirt for their upcoming powwow.
Anang however wants to follow their heart and gets support from an older two-spirit individual. They also get guidance from the spirits around them such as the spirit of the water and the turtle spirits.
Anang is also determined to make their skirt from the materials from the world around them. They turn to family, friends, the spirits and even the water itself for help. As they do they start to find a new confidence along the way.
Review
I had a hard time believing this was Cameron Mukwa’s debut novel. The story was well written and featured an age you don’t see often in graphic novels. Usually you see protagonists closer to puberty when it comes to issues like identity. I love that Anang is younger. It shows how a lot of things like gender identity can come up from very early on.
The story arc is very well conceived, making the skirt becomes an adventure. This adventure allows Anang to gain confidence in their wearing the skirt to the powwow.
Another element I particularly liked was the art, the bright colors will be appealing to readers of all ages. The artwork of the spirits Anang encounters was particularly inspired.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of a two-spirit elder who lead Anang along the way. It showed the important of family an community involvement especially in Indigenous communities.
Overall, this is a five star book. The art, the subject, and the well-written story are all excellent. I don’t have any complaints. I can’t wait to see what Mukwa does in the future!
Do you have any recent five star books? Please link them in the comments!
Image by Lee Travathan from Pixabay
Rose's Book Garden 