Heroes of the Water Monster (Healer of the Water Monster #2) by Brian Young, 384 pages. Heartdrum, 2023. $20.
Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (monster battles, peril)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL
13yo Nathan fears his time with the Water Monsters is limited, as he is starting to feel signs of puberty. His father's girlfriend has a son, 11yo Edward, who can also see them, and Nathan asks that Edward be the guardian of Dew. Dew cannot fulfill her duties as a water monster because she don't know all the songs. Nathan gets permission for Yitoo, Dew's older sister, to mentor Dew. But first, Yitoo must find the source of the water loss - a Modern Enemy.
I loved the magic; the battles were scary and intense and threatening, but as they were fighting monsters, there wasn't blood and guts and gore. I loved the interactions the boys had with the Holy Beings, and how they showed respect, even though they were afraid. Young is a great storyteller. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I also loved that climate change was mentioned often, and the need for us to care for our resources. A terrific follow-up to Healer of the Water Monster. I'll be reading and recommending this series especially to my Native American students. Nathan and Edward are Diné, Edward is half white.
Lisa Librarian
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