American Indian Youth Literature Award Winner: Best Middle Grade
Book! Brian Young's powerful debut novel tells of a seemingly
ordinary Navajo boy who must save the life of a Water Monster--and comes
to realize he's a hero at heart.
When Nathan goes to visit his grandma, Nali, at her mobile summer home
on the Navajo reservation, he knows he's in for a pretty uneventful
summer, with no electricity or cell service. Still, he loves spending
time with Nali and with his uncle Jet, though it's clear when Jet
arrives that he brings his problems with him.
One night, while lost in the nearby desert, Nathan finds someone
extraordinary: a Holy Being from the Navajo Creation Story--a Water
Monster--in need of help.
Now Nathan must summon all his courage to save his new friend. With the
help of other Navajo Holy Beings, Nathan is determined to save the Water
Monster, and to support Uncle Jet in healing from his own pain.
The Heartdrum imprint centers a wide range of intertribal voices,
visions, and stories while welcoming all young readers, with an emphasis
on the present and future of Indian Country and on the strength of young
Native heroes. In partnership with We Need Diverse Books.