LGBTQ2S+

A powerful story about the importance of family acceptance.

Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.

Based on the childhood experiences of her son, Phoenix, Marty Wilson-Trudeau demonstrates the difference that a loving and supportive family can make.

Reviews
"Phoenix Gets Greater is a timely and necessary addition to our collective Two-Spirit stories! Its collaboration between mother and son, its engrossing color palettes that reflect Anishinaabe acceptance and wholeness, and its charming, swirling protagonist make for a story that should be shared with all of our children. Broaching the vast topic of Two-Spirit identities, Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson have made a book I wish I had when I was a kid—the wonders this book will do for our Indigenous and/or queer youth!"—Joshua Whitehead, award-winning author of Jonny Appleseed

"Bright and engaging illustrations shine with the joy of Phoenix and those who love him feel when he is his authentic self. This is a sweet appreciation of a queer child—and how his Anishinaabe culture celebrates him and Niizh Manidoowag, Two Spirit people who have both boy and girl spirits."— Tegan Tigani from Queen Anne Books (Seattle, WA)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Subjects: Character Education; Family & Friendship; Self-Esteem; Courage; Prejudice & Tolerance; Reflecting Diversity; LGBTQ; First Nations & Indigenous Peoples.

This book is available in a dual-language format (Ojibwe / English): Phoenix ani’ Gichichi-i’/Phoenix Gets Greater

This book is available in French: Phoenix le merveilleux 

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Anishinaabe culture and storytelling meet Alice in Wonderland in this coming-of-age graphic novel that explores Indigenous and gender issues through a fresh yet familiar looking glass.

Aimée, a non-binary Anishinaabe middle-schooler, is on a class trip to offer gifts to Paayehnsag, the water spirits known to protect the land. While stories are told about the water spirits and the threat of the land being taken over for development, Aimée zones out, distracting themselves from the bullying and isolation they’ve experienced since expressing their non-binary identity. When Aimée accidentally wanders off, they are transported to an alternate dimension populated by traditional Anishinaabe figures in a story inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

To gain the way back home, Aimée is called on to help Trickster by hunting down dark water spirits with guidance from Paayehnsag. On their journey, Aimée faces off with the land-grabbing Queen and her robotic guards and fights the dark water spirits against increasingly stacked odds. Illustrated by KC Oster with a modern take on their own Ojibwe style and cultural representation, Rabbit Chase is a story of self-discovery, community, and finding one’s place in the world.

Reviews
“A unique creative product that provides just enough footing for curious readers to explore further on their own. The palette plays a significant role here, with the brown and sepia tones of the real world replaced with dreamy jewel and inky hues, and silhouettes are used particularly effectively, creating an otherworldliness that walks the line between whimsy and menace. The blend of fantasy, gender identity, and supernatural creatures will likely please fans of Ostertag’s THE WITCH BOY.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The recognizable highlights of Lewis Carroll’s surreal adventure make for an excellent way into what will be unfamiliar cultural ground for many young readers. Even as this engages with several significant and timely social issues (race, gender, bullying) in an accessible way, it also opens a window to seldom explored tribal cultures.” — Booklist

“A moving graphic novel that touches on identity and cultural legacy, and representation that is sure to impact young readers.” — School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Includes some Ojibwe language. Translations in the book by Aarin Dokum.

Aarin Migiziins (Little Eagle) Dokum ndizhinikaas, Wiikwemkoosing, Wiikwemkoong ndo njibaa. (My name is Aarin Dokum and my Nishinaabe noozwin/Anishinaabe name is Migiziins. I am from Wikwemkoosing, Wikwemikong Ontario, Canada.)

Aarin was raised by his fluent Nishinaabemwin speaking family and community. He left home at an early age to live in Moosonee, Ontario, Canada and spent three years as a restaurant cook in an isolated Cree community. After a short return home to Wikwemikong, he moved to Lansing, Michigan where he has been living ever since. He shares Anishinaabemwin as a language consultant through Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center. He is grateful for fluent elders and active givers of what he considers the most important part of any culture—language.

Additional Information
120 pages | 7.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

A new baby is joining the family, and the whole community joins in the celebrate! Bringing gifts to celebrate the baby with art, music, jokes, cuddles and delicious food, they also bring their love and support for the pregnant transgender dad who will give birth to the baby soon!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This book has areas for readers to add information (writing, drawings, collages) straight into the text and weave in their own story; therefore, it may not make an ideal classroom resource.  Perfect for individual use, homeschooling, working on together as a family, gifting to a child who is welcoming a new baby into their family, etc.

The note at the beginning of the story reads as follows: "Weave your own story into this book! Add lines to describe the people in your own family and community who were excited to welcome your small person.  And use this space to collage in any photos or drawings."

Additional Information
28 pages | 10.75" x 8.25" | Paperback

Have you ever wanted to understand where your family comes from and how you got this way? When Pigeon Pea has a million questions about their family, Auntie gives them the magic key to go back in time and across continents to meet, celebrate, and feast with their ancestors and orisha.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Themes / Keywords: LGBTQ, Time Travel, Historical, Africa

Additional Information
28 pages | 10.75" x 8.25" | Paperback

Sydney never thought she would be the new girl at school, but when she moves to Minneapolis, everything changes. At her old school on the reservation, almost all the kids were Native, and she was a tough bully. Now, at her new school, which has only a few Native kids, she wonders if she will fit in.

Sydney is a teenage girl who has always gone to a school with other Native students on her reservation. She has friends who support her when she bullies a fellow student, but life takes an unexpected turn when her mother moves the family to Minneapolis so she can take a new job. Her mother is excited about the move, but Sydney feels just the opposite. She does not want to become an urban Indian, and she especially does not want to leave her friends.

On the first day of school, Sydney tries to fit in, but it doesn’t take her long to realize that her Native looks make her stand out like a sore thumb. After Sydney accidentally bumps into a classmate in the hall, she becomes the target of bullying. Although she was used to being a bully, the tables are now turned.

When her life becomes almost unbearable, Sydney is approached by a boy in the lunchroom, who asks if he can join her. Not knowing what to think, she agrees, and the chance encounter initiates a close friendship. Her new friend, Finn, who is gay, is also a target of bullying. Sydney’s experience with being bullied, and seeing her friend bullied as well, makes her feel bad about herself and regret who she used to be. She realizes she must make amends with the girl she had bullied at her old school before she can feel better about herself and begin the journey to self-forgiveness.

Reviews
“Sigafus (Ojibwa) has written a brief and accessible novel that will engage readers and help them understand that we all make mistakes…. A compassionate story for reluctant readers.”— Kirkus Reviews

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 7 to 9.

Fry Reading Level: 4

This book is part of the PathFinders Collection of Indigenous Hi-Lo- novels. Interest level is pre-teen on up. 

The PathFinders series of Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability) novels offers the following features:

• Indigenous teen protagonists
• Age-appropriate plots
• 2.5 – 4.5 Reading Level
• Contemporary and historical fiction
• Indigenous authors

The PathFinders series is from an American publisher. Therefore, Indigenous terminology in the PathFinders books is not the same as Canadian Indigenous terminology. This prompts a useful teaching moment for educators in discussing appropriate terminology use in Canada.

This book is Book 1 in the Sydney's Journey series.

The story examines the effects of bullying on teens, which continues to be a huge social problem.

Additional Information
118 pages | 4.50" x 7.00" | Paperback

Ciel may have settled into high school with their best friend Stephie and new buddy Liam, but life is anything but ordinary for this non-binary trans kid! Between an important science project for school and their ever more popular YouTube channel, Ciel and their friends find themselves involved in a campaign to represent the LGBT Alliance. Life is taking off in all directions!

Reviews
"An entertaining yet educational middle grade novel that represents a plethora of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences that many young people will be able to identify with regardless of their own gender and sexuality."  — Rob Bittner, CM: Canadian Review of Materials, June 2021

“A bright and open story.”— Kirkus Reviews, July 2021

"A good addition to any middle grade collection desiring true-to-life stories of LGBTQ+ kids."— School Library Journal, August 2021

"Ciel’s energetic and eager voice, as well as their passion for life and appreciation for all types of people, shines through the pages...Bearing a sweet nostalgic air for school days, Labelle’s narrative revolves around relatable situations for readers, from science projects and school assignments to attempting to build and maintain a social circle while exploring one’s own self-expression and identities."— Booklist, September 2021

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This is book number 2 in the Ciel series.

Additional Information
192 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback

Jordan had a tough time with the other kids at his old school. So, on his first day at Massey Elementary, he has a plan: to be absolutely invisible. His new classmates don't need to know that his grandmother is his best friend or that they put on shows together dressing up in elaborate costumes each night in their apartment. When he's forced to pair up with Max, a loud-mouthed loner with a love for Hawaiian shirts, Jordan's cover of invisibility threatens to be blown completely. But with the help of his partner's unique artistic vision, Jordan begins to see that his sparkling secret deserves to be revealed.

This partially illustrated early chapter book is a gentle exploration of friendship, gender performance and identity.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Themes: friendship, gender performance, identity, drag, first day of school.

This book is part of the Orca Echoes series.

Additional Information
96 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | 22 Black and White Illustrations | Paperback 

Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages.

Ciel is excited to start high school. A gender non-conforming trans kid, Ciel has a YouTube channel and dreams of getting a better camera to really make their mark. Ciel can always rely on their best friend, Stephie, a trans girl who also happens to be a huge nerd. But their friendship begins to feel distant when Stephie makes it clear she wants the fact that she’s trans to be less visible now that they’re in high school. While navigating this new dynamic with Stephie, Ciel is also trying to make a long-distance relationship work with their boyfriend Eiríkur, who just moved back to Iceland. Add to the mix a cute swim star named Liam, and Ciel’s life is becoming more complicated by the minute!

Reviews
"This charming novel depicts a realistic slice of life as a nonbinary teen." — Kirkus Reviews, June 2020

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

This is book 1 in the Ciel series.

Additional Information
192 pages | 5.25" x 7.50" | Paperback

Dez and Miikwan’s stories continue in this sequel to Surviving the City.

Dez’s grandmother has passed away. Grieving, and with nowhere else to go, she’s living in a group home. On top of everything else, Dez is navigating a new relationship and coming into her identity as a Two-Spirit person.

Miikwan is crushing on the school’s new kid Riel, but doesn’t really understand what Dez is going through. Will she learn how to be a supportive ally to her best friend?

Elder Geraldine is doing her best to be supportive, but she doesn’t know how to respond when the gendered protocols she’s grown up with that are being thrown into question.

Will Dez be comfortable expressing her full identity? And will her community relearn the teachings and overcome prejudice to celebrate her for who she is?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 12 to 18.

This is the second volume in the Surviving the City graphic novel series, which is also part of the Debwe Series. 

Surviving the City is a contemporary graphic novel series about young Indigenous women navigating their way in an urban environment. It includes these books:

Surviving the City
From the Roots Up
We Are the Medicine

A Teacher Guide is available: Surviving the City Teacher Guide: Exploring Identity, Allyship, and Social Action for Meaningful Change in Grades 7-12 

Additional Information
64 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"

The world is bursting full of beautiful colors, from the blue of the fish to the green of the leaves! Even more wondrous are the many names the different peoples of the world have for them. Join these Hawai’ian kids, their older brother and his boyfriend as they adventure around their island to learn their colors – and a little about love along the way.

Reviews
"Learn the Hawai'ian words for colors in this lovely, family-oriented, BIPOC-centered story. This #OwnVoices picture book is written by a māhū (trans) person and illustrated by a queer, Black Native Hawaiian artist." - The Seattle Public Library 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

An indigenous Hawai’ian colour adventure, featuring older brother Kalani teaching a gaggle of keiki their colors on a Saturday fishing trip.

Additional Information
10.75" x 8.25" | Paperback

Thirteen of the most accomplished YA authors deliver a label-defying anthology that includes ten short stories, a graphic novel, and a one-act play from Walter Dean Myers never before in-print. This collection addresses topics like gentrification, acceptance, untimely death, coming out, and poverty and ranges in genre from contemporary realistic fiction to adventure and romance. It will inspire you to break conventions, bend the rules, and color outside the lines. All you need is fresh ink.

Authors Include: Schuyler Bailar, Melissa de la Cruz, Sara Farizan, Sharon G. Flake, Eric Gansworth, Malindo Lo, Walter Dean Myers, Daniel José Older, Thien Pham, Jason Reynolds, Aminah Mae Safi, Gene Luen Yang, Nicola Yoon

Reviews
"I absolutely love this mix of established and newer talents, and I'm really intrigued and excited by the mixed formats." --BookRiot

"Huge, huge names in YA participated." --Bustle

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+

This work includes an Indigenous contribution. Not all conributions are from Indigenous writers.  It's up to readers to determine if this work is authentic for their puproses.

Additional Information

Journey with Ghost and her family, refugees in Canada.

This book is based on the true story of Eka, Rainer, and their cat, Ghost. When life in Indonesia becomes too dangerous for LGBTQ people, Ghost and her two dads are forced to leave their home and escape to freedom in Canada. The story is told from the perspective of Ghost. The illustrations are created from Rainer's photographs.

Reviews
“This book charmed me from the get-go. Told from a cat’s perspective, it tackles tough subjects with a light touch. The story broke my heart, then put it back together again. I simply loved it.”  -Susin Nielsen, Governor General’s Award-winning author of The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen and No Fixed Address

"Ghost's Journey shines a gentle light on the dangers faced by so many LGBTQ+ people in countries around the world. It's a powerful and important story, beautifully written and full of captivating images." - Susan Juby, author of Alice I Think and the Republic of Dirt
​
"Reading this story I realize again how fortunate we are to live in a society where we can talk, think, act, believe and love as free human beings; where we respect our neighbours even if they differ from us. I hope that many children will read this tender tale and wonder why people around the world can't revel in that same freedom, that we so often take for granted. Because only when we wonder why something isn't right, can we change injustices. Welcome to Canada, Ghost and your daddies." - Margriet Ruurs, award-winning author of Stepping Stones, A Refugee Family’s Journey

"Ghost's story is not just an endearing cat tale, it's also a gentle but honest introduction to human rights issues for young audiences." -Kyle Lukoff, author of When Aidan Became a Brother and A Storytelling of Ravens 
​
“Ghost’s Journey is a perfect fit for teaching young audiences about SOGI, family diversity, human rights, and social justice. Parents, primary teachers and elementary school librarians will love this picture book; a ‘must have’ on every kid’s bookshelf!” - Solveig Davie, Teacher-Librarian, SD44 

"With gentle, evocative prose, and a cuddly protagonist, Stevenson recounts Eka and Rainer’s journey from Java through the lens of the two men’s cat, Ghost. Ghost’s perspective provides young readers with an accessible entry point to explore the plight of LGBTQ immigrants fleeing violence in their own countries. Ghost’s Journey is hopeful and engaging, packing an emotional punch that will help illuminate the struggles of LGBTQ individuals at home and abroad." -Robert Bittner, Postdoctoral Fellow and LGBTQ Literature Scholar.

"Robin Stevenson has an incredible talent for making difficult subjects accessible for all ages. Ghost’s Journey: A Refugee Story is no exception. For a book that deals with the terrible victimization of LGBTQ+ people and refugees, Ghost’s Journey, at its heart, is less about the horrors Rainer and Eka faced that forced them to flee their home and more about the love they share for each other and the home they have created with their beloved cat. Ghost’s Journey is a beautiful, much-needed book told through the eyes of a cat who follows his dads halfway across the world to create a new home together where they are free to love each other openly and without fear. Something everyone has a right to do." -Melanie Florence, award-winning author of Stolen Words and Missing Nimana

"This introduction to LGBTQ human rights for young children is a gentle and effective one.”- Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Picture Book for ages 3-8.

Ghost's Journey is the perfect fit to teach young audiences about family diversity, human rights, and social justice.

Keywords and Themes: Refugees, LGBTQ+, Indonesia, Canada, Animals (Cats), Social Justice, Human Rights, Family Diversity.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawaiʻi who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school.

Ho'onani feels in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy). She's happy to be in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way.

When Ho'onani finds out that there will be a school performance of a traditional kane hula chant, she wants to be part of it. But can a girl really lead the all-male troupe? Ho'onani has to try . . .

Based on a true story, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is--and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her.

Ho'onani's story first appeared in the documentary A Place in the Middle by filmmakers Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson.

Reviews
“Boldly outlined watercolor and ink artwork . . . convey visual information with strength that suggests Ho‘onani’s own. And Gale grounds the child’s experience, based on a true story, in Hawaiian traditions, modeling showing ‘every person the same unconditional acceptance and respect’.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Ho'onani’s courage to be true to herself and her place in the middle is empowering. Hawaiian words are intermixed, and Song’s illustrations are full of emotion and determination.” --Kirkus Reviews

“Ho’onani: Hula Warrior tells the story of a young gender-nonconforming child who, though she still uses female pronouns, does not wish to be either a girl or a boy. Ho’onani is seen by some as too loud, too brash, too masculine. But when she starts to show an interest in leading a group of students in a hula chant, some don’t believe she can do it because she’s not a boy, not strong enough, not bold enough! Stuck in the middle but not willing to back down, Ho’onani and her teacher, Kumu Hina (“kumu” means teacher), work to build her skills and prepare her to take the tests necessary to show that she is skilled enough to lead. And while her parents and brother are not very surprised at Ho’onani’s determination, Kana, her sister, is less than pleased and stops hanging out with Ho’onani like they used to. But in the end, Ho’onani works hard and continues to buck stereotypes in the process, ultimately bringing her closer to her goal with each passing day, until the moment arrives when she must prove herself in front of the whole community.

This empowering and delightfully engaging picture book is based on the true story of Ho’onani Kamai who was raised in Honolulu and was coached by Hinaleimoana Kwai Kong Wong-Kalu (shortened in the book to Kumu Hina). An author’s note at the beginning gives a more detailed explanation of the real-life story, some history and a mention of the documentary (A Place in the Middle) which was inspired by Ho’onani and Kumu Hina’s working together.

.... The story is not simply one of strength and overcoming obstacles, but it is also a story about traditions, acceptance, and respect for others. Ho’onani is not simply a determined youngster, but also an individual trying to help others understand that gender stereotypes are harmful and limiting. Gale’s picture book will help young readers and adults better understand a small slice of Hawaiian traditions and nonbinary people, referred to as Mahu, those who embody both feminine and masculine traits.

.... An entertaining, illuminating, and empowering read, Ho’onani: Hula Warrior will make a welcome addition to classrooms, libraries, and story times!” --CM Magazine

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-8.

The author thanks Ho'onani Kamia and Kumu Hina on her website for allowing her to write this story.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.80" x 11.40"

Tasha Spillett’s graphic novel debut, Surviving the City, is a story about womanhood, friendship, colonialism, and the anguish of a missing loved one.

Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape – they’re so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez’s grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can’t stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can’t bring herself to go home and disappears. Miikwan is devastated, and the wound of her missing mother resurfaces. Will Dez’s community find her before it’s too late? Will Miikwan be able to cope if they don’t?

Awards

• Winner of the 2019 Indigenous Voices Award for Works in an Alternative Format
• Co-winner of the Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book by a Manitoba Author
• Winner of the Manuela Dias Design and Illustration Award, Graphic Novel category

Educator & Series Information
Recommended Grades: 7-12.

This graphic novel is part of the Surviving the City series, which is also part of the Debwe Series.

The Surviving the City series includes these titles:

• Surviving the City
• From the Roots Up
• We Are the Medicine

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020 resource list for grades 10 to 12 for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

This book could be triggering for some readers as it contains mature content and focuses on issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

A Teacher Guide is available: Surviving the City Teacher Guide: Exploring Identity, Allyship, and Social Action for Meaningful Change in Grades 7-12 

Additional Information
56 pages | 6.50" x 10.00"