Healer of the Water Monster

Description: "Brian Young's ... 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."--Publisher's description.

Brief description:

Author and filmmaker Brian Young is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. He grew up on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. Brian earned his BA in film studies at Yale University and his MFA in creative writing at Columbia University. Brian currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Review Quotes:

"Gentle, complex characters and flawed, loving human relationships lend depth to Young's worlds-spanning novel." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The deeply grounded and original perspective of this story brings readers into both the worlds of Navajo blessing songs, rain songs, and traditional healing and everyday family relationships. Hands readers a meaningful new take on family love." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Young's narrative weaves traditional folklore, language, and mythos with modern emotion to craft a poignant tale of family, friendship, and protecting what you love most." - Booklist

"Visibility is of utmost importance, and books like this one deserve warm spotlights, everywhere." - American Indians in Children's Literature