Phoenix ani’ Gichichi-i’/Phoenix Gets Greater is a wonderful story written by Marty Wilson-Trudeau and illustrated by Megan Kyak-Monteith. Both are Indigenous and have provided a rich, vibrant, and colourful story of a Two-Spirit child. This is a collaboration between mother and son, and the story is shared with its readers using colour palettes that reflect Anishinaabe’s acceptance and wholeness. This is a charming story that reflects on the life of a Two-Spirit child and the challenges one faces as they grow up in a society that still requires education. This story not only celebrates the LGBTQIA2S+ community but also celebrates the Indigenous world and how it traditionally embraces the Two-Spirit individual. This story is a very colourful book and has many amazing illustrations throughout, which highlight this child’s story. This story gives voice to the importance of being included, represented, and loved.

Other End Matter: Dual-language edition in English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Marty Wilson-Trudeau (Anishinaabe Kwe), Megan Kyak- Monteith (Inuit), Editor Jazz J. Cook, Translator Kelvin Morrison (Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation)
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

Marty Wilson-Trudeau is an Anishinaabe Kwe writer originally from M'Chigeeng, ON. She is a drama teacher at St. Charles College in Sudbury, ON. She is a mother to two wonderful sons, Brandan and Phoenix Wilson.

 

Marty Wilson-Trudeau's profile page

Megan Kyak-Monteith is an Inuk illustrator and painter born in Pond Inlet, Nunavut. She is currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and studying interdisciplinary arts at NSCAD University with a focus on painting. When she is not working on illustrations, she can be found watching movies with her friends, shopping, or working in her studio on her large-scale oil paintings.

Megan Kyak-Monteith's profile page

Phoenix Wilson is an Anishinaabe actor and dancer and is very proud of who he is. Phoenix started dancing ballet at age three, grass dancing at age five, and acting at age six. He can be seen in such projects as Longmire, Letterkenny, and the critically acclaimed movie Wild Indian. Phoenix is currently in Grade 11 where he excels in all his classes and has ambitions of becoming a corporate lawyer. 

 

Phoenix Wilson's profile page

Kelvin Morrison (Kiitaabines) is from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Wazhashk (muskrat) clan. He works as an Anishinaabemowin translator at Seven Generations Education Institute, translating books, videos, and short stories, as well as Elders’ stories and resource materials for daycares, schools, and communities. He enjoys creating tools so all can learn, understand, and hear how Anishinaabemowin sounds. He also works in the Knowledge Keepers Program offered by the Fort Frances Rainy River School Board, sharing stories, cultural knowledge, residential school experience, and teachings about the Land.

Kelvin Morrison's profile page

“The tone of this story is gentle and loving, perfectly illustrated by the reaction that Phoenix’s brother and mother had when he came out as Two Spirit. They supported him, they told him they loved him and were proud of him. This ensures a gentle introduction to a serious topic. Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I/ Phoenix Gets Greater is an inspirational and motivational story. It can help those who are coming out to their family and friends and is a helpful tool in navigating this process. This book is an asset to any library.”

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