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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.