Raven’s Ribbons

Raven’s Ribbons by Tasha Spillett, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers on January 14, 2025, is a 32-page exploration of identity and self-expression through an Indigenous perspective. The narrative follows Raven, who adores Round Dances and is captivated by the vibrant ribbon skirts that swirl around him. Despite his desire for a ribbon skirt of his own, he grapples with the traditional views held by his grandmother, setting the stage for a transformative moment during the next round dance.
Readers will find a heartfelt story that emphasizes themes of belonging and acceptance within intergenerational Indigenous communities. The book highlights the joy of dance and the significance of clothing as a form of self-expression. Through Raven’s journey, the narrative illustrates that traditions can evolve, allowing for personal reinvention while honoring cultural heritage. This edition is presented in English and features engaging illustrations that complement the text, enriching the overall experience for young readers.
Official synopsis Publisher
★ “Spillett captures the joy of the round dance, and a feeling of belonging and connection offered in intergenerational Indigenous community.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Simple and tender.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Spillett and illustrator Daniel Ramirez comes a joyous intergenerational celebration of gender self-expression and acceptance through an Indigenous lens.
Raven loves Round Dances. The drums sing to the people. The people dance to the music. Raven’s favorite part is to watch the ribbon skirts, swirling like a rainbow. He wishes he could have a ribbon skirt of his own, but his grandmother has never seen a boy wearing one. Until the next round dance, when it turns out that even someone who has lived a long time can see wonderful things that they’ve never seen before.
In the spirit of beloved books like Julián is a Mermaid, here is a moving intergenerational story celebrating identity, self-expression, and the realization that even within our traditions, there is room for beautiful reinvention.
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