Phoenix Gets Greater

In a beautiful affirming story, Mary Wilson-Trudeau with Phoenix Wilson and Megan Kyak-Monteith share Phoenix’s story in Phoenix Gets Greater, showing readers that greatness comes from within.

Phoenix is born a sweet bundle of “fuzzy” joy. Right from the start he is different from other children. He spends lots of time in the hospital after his birth making him strong. He heals and comes home and it’s clear his interests are different from other boys. His favourite thing is a pink fuzzy blanket that he wraps around himself, pretending he’s a fancy shawl dancer, light as a butterfly. When he finally comes out to his mom and brother, they are instantly accepting and tell him all about Two Spirit people just like him and how special he is.

Being Two Spirit is not a topic that is easy to find in children’s literature. There are the beginnings of more stories that are LGBTQ+ but Phoenix Gets Greater is one of the first stories that focuses on what it means to be Two Spirited or Nizih Manidoowag in Anishinaabe culture. I believe there are misconceptions among the general population of what it means and how being Two Spirit specifically refers to Indigenous peoples. 

Representation is so important, as we know, not just for those who never see themselves in children’s books but also for those who are not offered a wide variety of experiences in their reading life. Mary Wilson-Trudeau along with her son Phoenix, share what it is like growing up Two Spirit, the bullying he faced but also his strength in knowing how he is and the special place he holds in his community.

Megan Kyak-Monteith’s illustrations are bold and colourful. She illustrates Phoenix and his family reflecting the joy and love all around him. The vibrant pink stands out and draws readers into the pages and Phoenix's glowing face on the cover tells readers that this wil be a story of celebration, acceptance and love.