This remarkable, hard-hitting, and action-packed sophomore novel from rising talent Brian Young (Navajo) tells the story of two Navajo stepbrothers living in Phoenix, who must save the world as they know it from a Water Monster from the Third World—and who must confront the traumas in their people’s history. The book is a companion to Young’s debut novel, Healer of the Water Monster, but can stand alone.
An unmissable companion to Healer of the Water Monster, this novel tells the story of two contemporary young Navajo heroes—and one water monster—who must learn to work together to save their present world from the lasting hurts of their people’s past.
Edward feels ready to move in with his dad’s girlfriend and her son, Nathan. He might miss having his dad all to himself, but even if things in their new home are a little awkward, living with Nathan isn’t so bad. And Nathan is glad to have found a new guardian for Dew, the young water monster who has been Nathan's responsibility for two years. Now that Nathan is starting to lose his childhood connection to the Holy Beings, Edward will be the one to take over as Dew’s next guardian.
But Edward has a lot to learn about taking care of a water monster. And fast. Because Dew’s big sister, the powerful Yitoo Bii’aanii, is coming up to Fourth World to instruct Dew after recovering in the Third World for one hundred and sixty years. She suspects a monstrous and enormous Enemy from the Hero Twins stories has returned and is stealing water from all of the Navajo Nation.
In their search for the Modern Enemy, Nathan, Edward, Dew, and Yitoo must confront their past and their inner selves if they are to save the Fourth World from a devastating disaster.
Author’s note. Glossary. Note from Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Gr 5–7—The second installment in the "Healer of the Water Monster" series is a fantastical blend of action, Navajo lore, and familial relationships. As Nathan is getting older, he understands he needs to pass the care of Dew the water monster off to Edward, his (sort of) stepbrother. But that doesn't make it any easier, coupled with the fact that Dew needs to learn more about her water monster siblings. So when Yitoo arrives to teach Dew, it seems like the perfect fit! However, Yitoo has quite the grudge against the Pale People and sets out on a path of revenge. Readers will be engaged in the fascinating Navajo legends and characters that Young has populated throughout the novel. Young deftly touches on a number of tough topics like climate change, generational trauma, and divorce in a manner that is insightful and age appropriate. The evolving relationship between Edward and Nathan is realistic and heartwarming and highlights the dynamics of blending families. Yitoo, while being downright mean at times, is still easy to empathize with. VERDICT An immersive and heartfelt story that tackles tough topics with grace.—Tara Peace
Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle Plus
Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
Your middle-school readers will thrill to new futures, fantasy realms, and alternate realities. Readers will look forward to discovering a new world monthly with the 14 books in this category.