Nathan, 11, is spending a few summer weeks with his paternal grandmother, Nali, who lives in a mobile home on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. When he’s saved while lost in the desert by an ailing water monster, Nathan promises to do what he can to heal the Holy Being, whom Nathan calls Pond. Nathan is helped by a talking lizard who works with Pond to teach Nathan everything he needs to know for his journey to the Third World to meet with Mother Water Monster and retrieve medicine. At the same time, Nathan’s Uncle Jet, a veteran, is struggling with depression and drinking but is reluctant to participate in the N'dáá , a traditional ceremony also known as Enemy Way, that Nali is trying to arrange with their clan’s hataaÅ‚ii (medicine man) because she believes it will help him. The theme of healing in a story firmly grounded in Navajo traditions and culture and integrating the Navajo language throughout extends to the earth, as Nathan discovers Pond is suffering from radiation sickness from a polluted lake. The seamless blending of traditional beliefs and practices with contemporary life extends from Nathan’s interests and identity—including his passion for video games and hints that he has a future as a traditional healer—to the fact that Uncle Jet’s journey to healing is supported by both traditional and modern medicine. Appealing characters, a captivating plot, and dashes of humor all buoy a novel followed by a thoughtful and thought-provoking author’s note. (Ages 8-12)

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.