Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; (child offered alcohol) Violence: PG (Fight, injuries, peril).
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
11yo Nathan is spending the summer with his grandmother (Nali) in her mobile home on the Navajo reservation. 3 months without electricity or running water may be inconvenient, but he's got a science experiment (growing corn) and is excited to spend time with Nali and his Uncle Jet. One evening, while trying to figure out what is stealing his corn seeds, Nathan finds a Holy Being - a water monster from the Navajo Creation story. The water monster is sick, and Nathan, who is able to communicate with the Holy Beings, is charged with undertaking a dangerous task to help him. But the timing conflicts with a special ceremony for Uncle Jet - and Nathan needs to choose between helping his new friend and being there for his uncle.
An amazing adventure, full of magic, tradition and family. I started telling people how much I loved this book before I was even finished. It catches the reader right away and the adventure is fast paced and exciting. Contains a lot of Navajo, but includes a glossary - I didn't need to use it, as Youngs writing has put everything in context. The author's note talks about how careful he was as a storyteller to respect the Holy Beings, and how traditional stories are special and sacred. Young's debut middle grade novel will appeal to the fans of Riordan's "Lightning Thief" and Calejo's "Charlie Hernandez." I know my students will love "Healer of the Water Monster."
Lisa Librarian
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