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Medicine Wheels
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
3 days and 09:09:14
10 copies available
U.S. only
The American Indian Youth Literature and Morris Award-winning author of
Rez Ball
returns with the unforgettable story of a gifted young Ojibwe athlete learning to ride in his father’s footsteps while practicing for a skateboarding championship.
When Bryce’s mom walks out on her abusive boyfriend and back into jail for breaking her probation, he’s left facing the summer of his junior year with no parents, no phone, and only the clothes on his back.
With nowhere to call home, Bryce crashes at his grandparents’ house on Wolf Creek reservation. Wolf Creek is full of memories and old friends—including Robbie and Mikayla, who hang out at the local skate park.
Skateboarding reminds Bryce of his late carefree, riding like he could fly. If Bryce could learn to ride like that, he’d take his crew to the top of the skateboarding championship at the end of the summer, and finally prove he’s not a loser, especially to the online-famous, captivating Mikayla. Summer is looking up, even as he’s falling on his face.
But when a fresh loss takes Bryce down, he’ll need to learn to lean on his Ojibwe community to get back on the board. Only then can he discover his father’s real legacy—and the true meaning of unconditional love.
When Bryce’s mom walks out on her abusive boyfriend and back into jail for breaking her probation, he’s left facing the summer of his junior year with no parents, no phone, and only the clothes on his back.
With nowhere to call home, Bryce crashes at his grandparents’ house on Wolf Creek reservation. Wolf Creek is full of memories and old friends—including Robbie and Mikayla, who hang out at the local skate park.
Skateboarding reminds Bryce of his late carefree, riding like he could fly. If Bryce could learn to ride like that, he’d take his crew to the top of the skateboarding championship at the end of the summer, and finally prove he’s not a loser, especially to the online-famous, captivating Mikayla. Summer is looking up, even as he’s falling on his face.
But when a fresh loss takes Bryce down, he’ll need to learn to lean on his Ojibwe community to get back on the board. Only then can he discover his father’s real legacy—and the true meaning of unconditional love.
- GenresYoung Adult
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 2, 2026
3 people are currently reading
1727 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 22, 2025
Bryce's life has been chaos ever since his dad died six years ago. Dealing with his mom's addiction and her terrible boyfriends, Bryce hasn't felt calm and stable in a while. When they leave the current boyfriend and things go from bad to worse, Bryce moves to stay with his grandparents for the summer. But Bryce's grandpa has been diagnosed with cancer, adding more stress to his life. Will Bryce's friendships and newfound love for skateboarding be enough to keep his life from derailing?
Medicine Wheels is another great title by Byron Graves for reluctant readers. Solid incorporation of Indigenous culture and themes of grief, growth, and independence. Some pretty frequent casual incorporations of drinking and marijuana use.
I read an ARC from Edelweiss.
Medicine Wheels is another great title by Byron Graves for reluctant readers. Solid incorporation of Indigenous culture and themes of grief, growth, and independence. Some pretty frequent casual incorporations of drinking and marijuana use.
I read an ARC from Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm not the target audience for this one, but I know many readers who are. Short chapters, skateboarding action, and modern dialogue make this perfect for reluctant readers with plenty of heart to help it stick with them long after the last pages.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews