Healer of the Water Monster - Social Justice Books

Reviewed by Debbie Reese

Review Source: American Indians in Children’s Literature
Book Author: Brian Young

I am delighted to recommend Brian Young’s Healer of the Water Monster. Below I will share some of the reasons why I think you should have this book on your school library shelf, and in your classroom library, and in your home library. If there’s a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, get one for it, too! And if you’re on a road trip, get a copy of the audio version. It is terrific! To start, let’s look at the book description:

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.

Now, here are some of the reasons I highly recommend Healer of the Water Monster:

#DinéVoice

Brian Young is Diné (Navajo). Whether you’re an adult or child — but especially if you are a teacher — I suggest you begin with the Author’s Note that starts on page 352. People who have attended my workshops or lectures know that I am deeply committed to Native writers. When teachers use their books in the classroom, they can say something like, “We’re going to start reading Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young. Brian is Diné.” That last sentence in my scenario is what I want you to look closely at! Specifically, think about the word “is” in “Brian is Diné.” A three-word sentence, with a powerful two-letter word. Those two letters push against the thousands of times students have heard past tense references to Native people. It tells students that we are still here. Continue reading.

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young
Published by HarperCollins on May 11, 2021
Genres: American Indians First Nations Metis Inuit
Pages: 368
Reading Level: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8
ISBN: 9780062990426
Review Source: American Indians in Children's Literature

Publisher's Synopsis: 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.

Reviewed by Debbie Reese

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