The Ribbon Skirt: A Graphic Novel - by Cameron Mukwa

About the Book

"Ten-year-old Anang wants to make a ribbon skirt, a piece of clothing typically worn by women 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"--

Book Synopsis

A joyful coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel by debut Indigenous creator Cameron Mukwa about the journey of a two-spirit kid who wants to create a ribbon skirt for the upcoming powwow.

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.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Ribbon Skirt:

GLAAD Media Award Nominee

Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year

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

About the Author

Cameron Mukwa is the creator of The Ribbon Skirt, which was a GLAAD Media Award nominee. He is a two-spirit Anishinaabe cartoonist, illustrator, and children's educator whose portfolio of work is dedicated to showcasing Indigenous and transgender joy. Visit him online at cameronmukwa.com.