Healer of the Water Monster

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.

Author: Brian Young
Publisher: Heartdrum
Published: 05/11/2021
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.95lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.60w x 1.60d
ISBN: 9780062990402
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.7
Point Value: 11
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 512918 / Healer of the Water Monster


Award: American Indian Youth Literature Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/08/2021
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2021
Booklist 04/15/2021 pg. 56
Horn Book Magazine 07/01/2021 pg. 128

About the Author
Young, Brian: - Author and filmmaker Brian Young is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He grew up on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. Brian earned his BA in Film Studies at Yale University and his MFA in Creative Writing at Columbia University. Brian currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.