Book review: Phoenix Ani’ Gichichi-I’/Phoenix Gets Greater

Reviewed by Carrie MacKenzie

Phoenix Ani’ Gichichi-I’/Phoenix Gets Greater is a children’s book written by Marty Wilson-Trudeau and her son Phoenix Wilson. Wilson-Trudeau is an Anishinaabekwe originally from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Her son Phoenix is an Anishinaabe dancer and actor whose home territory is M’Chigeeng First Nation. Kevin Morrison (Kiitaabines) translates the English to Anishinaabemowin. He is from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Wazhashk clan. Megan Kyak-Monteith provides the illustrations, she is an Inuk Illustrator and painter from Pond Inlet, Nunavut. This is a heartwarming and inspirational story about Phoenix coming out, telling his mom and his brother that he is gay or Two Spirit. This story is geared towards Children six to eight years of age.

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. It also prevents the reader from becoming overwhelmed or confused, missing the teachings of the story.

The illustrations by Megan Kyak-Monteith are beautiful. They are full of colour, bright and bold, adding to the loving and gentle tone of the story. They also mirror Phoenix’s personality when he is with those, he feels safe with. This keeps the audience interested and engaged. The illustrations are also incredibly detailed, further enriching this story.

This story is relatable and believable because it is a true story. This allows the reader to take in the message of the story, love, acceptance, and being who you truly are, reinforcing the gentle and loving tone of the book.

The fact that this story was written by Phoenix and his mother strengthens the impact of this story and can give the reader hope that their family can have a similar reaction to them coming out. This can also serve as a guide for family members when a loved one comes out to them.

This story also highlights the ridicule and rejection Two Spirit people experience. Phoenix was bullied and rejected by his peers because they see him as different due to his interests. As a result, Phoenix felt unhappy and no longer did the things that made him happy and showed his authentic shelf; however, in keeping with the tone of the book, this is done in a gentle and age-appropriate manner. This allows the reader to relate to and understand what Phoenix is going through.

Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I’/Phoenix Gets Greater is a bilingual book, written in both Anishinaabemowin and English, which introduces both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers to the Anishinaabemowin language. This can also help reconnect people to their language, encouraging Elders to learn their languages and bond with the younger generation as they pass on their language.

The language used in this story is used by and easily understood by the reader. This opens them up to take in the teaching of the story and learn from it. The reader is also able to relate to and connect with Phoenix and his family.

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.

Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson, Phoenix Ani’Gichichi-I/Phoenix Gets Greater. Second Story Press: Toronto, 2022.
ISBN: 9781772603248