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Medicine Wheels
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.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
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.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
Audible Audio
First published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 29, 2026
Every now and then, the perfect book finds you when you need it most. When I wasn't crying from grief, I was crying from happiness.
June 10, 2026
Another immersive and relatable read penned by Byron Graves. He's gotta be one of the top sports fiction writers of our time. I also appreciate the lens he provides into rez life.
June 24, 2026
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
Heartdrum is such a great, important imprint, and I’m always happy to have the opportunity to read more Indigenous stories. Medicine Wheels immediately drew me in with the cover, and I knew the story would catch my heart. It hurt so much reading the early chapters and everything Bryce was going through, but I loved the community and love he had. There’s so many great topics being explored in this story, but I especially love how it’s central theme is hope and community. I had a lot of fun with this and found it difficult to put down.
Heartdrum is such a great, important imprint, and I’m always happy to have the opportunity to read more Indigenous stories. Medicine Wheels immediately drew me in with the cover, and I knew the story would catch my heart. It hurt so much reading the early chapters and everything Bryce was going through, but I loved the community and love he had. There’s so many great topics being explored in this story, but I especially love how it’s central theme is hope and community. I had a lot of fun with this and found it difficult to put down.
November 2, 2026
I listened to this whilst mainly running 17km today. And there were multiple moments I almost wept. A story of a boy who lost his dad and his mum, whose community rallied around him and reminded him of his worth whilst learning to skateboard.
It had grief, it had shy awkwardness, it had rage and disappointment. This is the second first nations books i have read because of a book club. And it is haunting how beautiful and so sorrowful their stories. Their experience on the land. Their connection with nature and tradition.
I love how books push tender parts of us, highlight things we are ignorant of, make us laugh because of how accurate the human condition is reflected. I loved how the audio books did the grandparents voices. Full of cheeky warmth and concern. nd the mothers disappointment in herself whilst mourning a husband and desperately reaching for comfort for herself.
This was an incredible book.
It had grief, it had shy awkwardness, it had rage and disappointment. This is the second first nations books i have read because of a book club. And it is haunting how beautiful and so sorrowful their stories. Their experience on the land. Their connection with nature and tradition.
I love how books push tender parts of us, highlight things we are ignorant of, make us laugh because of how accurate the human condition is reflected. I loved how the audio books did the grandparents voices. Full of cheeky warmth and concern. nd the mothers disappointment in herself whilst mourning a husband and desperately reaching for comfort for herself.
This was an incredible book.
November 5, 2026
This was beautiful, and loved the MMC and it being his POV !
June 11, 2026
Love, love, love this book so much! This brought back core Rez memories for me and was like having a glimpse of my past growing up!! Amazing!
September 9, 2026
As is with all sports media, I think it would make an awesome sports anime. This writing style was not my cup of tea, but the atmosphere was all-consuming. I really felt like I was sweating on a carpeted floor with an obnoxiously loud fan going in the background.
Finished: Sept 8, 2026
Finished: Sept 8, 2026
July 24, 2026
I really liked the concept of this work, and how well the author wrote the relationship with Bryce and his grandparents. The characters in this one are strong, and it helped to support the somewhat slower plot. It made the romance compelling and fun to watch unfold.
This work does have some darker themes, such as alcoholism, bullying, abuse, teen drug and alcohol use, and a parent in prison. There are also plenty of swear words, so it's more suitable for an older YA reader.
While I didn't love this one as much as the author's previous work, it certainly is still worth the read, especially for YA readers wanting good Indigenous American rep. My thanks to NetGalley, Harper Audio, and Heartdrum for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This work does have some darker themes, such as alcoholism, bullying, abuse, teen drug and alcohol use, and a parent in prison. There are also plenty of swear words, so it's more suitable for an older YA reader.
While I didn't love this one as much as the author's previous work, it certainly is still worth the read, especially for YA readers wanting good Indigenous American rep. My thanks to NetGalley, Harper Audio, and Heartdrum for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 7, 2026
Bryce, Bab… You've Been Through Enough. Can This Boy Catch a Break?
Medicine Wheels by Byron Graves is one of those books that looks like it's going to be about sport but turns out to be about so much more. Yes, there's skateboarding, friendship, a little romance and a competition to prepare for, but underneath all of that is a young boy just trying to find somewhere he feels safe, loved and wanted.
Bryce Fairbanks has already been through far too much for someone his age. His father has died, his mother is struggling with her own problems, and after another disastrous relationship and her return to jail, Bryce finds himself back on the Wolf Creek Reservation, living with his grandparents.
Honestly, Bryce, bab. Could somebody please give this child a peaceful summer?
What touched me most was his relationship with his grandparents. There was something so comforting about watching Bryce settle back into a home where he didn't have to constantly worry about what might happen next. His grandfather's declining health adds another layer of sadness, though, because apparently Byron Graves wasn't satisfied with the emotional damage he'd already inflicted.
Then there's Robbie, Bryce's best friend, who introduces him properly to skateboarding. I loved their friendship. Robbie doesn't magically solve Bryce's problems, but he gives him something he desperately needs: companionship, encouragement and the chance to be an ordinary teenager for a while.
And Mikayla! I enjoyed watching Bryce navigate his feelings for her while trying to become a decent skateboarder. The boy is attempting to impress a girl, find his confidence and avoid falling flat on his face. Literally. Young love is difficult enough without adding wheels.
But what I particularly appreciated was how skateboarding connects Bryce to his late father. It becomes more than a hobby or a competition. It's a way of remembering him, understanding him and discovering something about himself in the process.
I also loved that the story didn't treat Bryce's Ojibwe community as merely a backdrop. The friendships, family relationships, language, traditions and the fight against the proposed oil pipeline all contribute to his growing understanding of where he belongs. The community has its own struggles, but there's also a wonderful sense of people showing up for one another.
And that, for me, was the heart of the book.
Sometimes healing isn't about becoming a completely different person. It's about finding your way back to the people, places and parts of yourself that remind you who you are.
I did feel that there was quite a lot happening at once. Between Bryce's family difficulties, his grandfather's illness, the romance, skateboarding and the pipeline protests, some storylines could have benefited from a little more breathing room. But I appreciated that life doesn't conveniently deal with one problem at a time either.
What stayed with me was Bryce's resilience. Not the sort where a character suffers terribly and suddenly becomes wise beyond their years, but the quieter kind. Learning to accept help, allowing himself to enjoy things again, making mistakes and realising that he doesn't have to carry everything alone.
I started this book expecting a story about a boy learning to skateboard. I finished it thinking about family, grief, community and how much difference it makes when a young person has people who genuinely believe in them.
And somewhere along the way, Byron Graves managed to make me emotionally invested in a skateboarding competition. Me! A woman who would probably need medical assistance just getting onto the board.
A moving, hopeful and thoroughly human story about finding balance, both on and off the skateboard.
Medicine Wheels by Byron Graves is one of those books that looks like it's going to be about sport but turns out to be about so much more. Yes, there's skateboarding, friendship, a little romance and a competition to prepare for, but underneath all of that is a young boy just trying to find somewhere he feels safe, loved and wanted.
Bryce Fairbanks has already been through far too much for someone his age. His father has died, his mother is struggling with her own problems, and after another disastrous relationship and her return to jail, Bryce finds himself back on the Wolf Creek Reservation, living with his grandparents.
Honestly, Bryce, bab. Could somebody please give this child a peaceful summer?
What touched me most was his relationship with his grandparents. There was something so comforting about watching Bryce settle back into a home where he didn't have to constantly worry about what might happen next. His grandfather's declining health adds another layer of sadness, though, because apparently Byron Graves wasn't satisfied with the emotional damage he'd already inflicted.
Then there's Robbie, Bryce's best friend, who introduces him properly to skateboarding. I loved their friendship. Robbie doesn't magically solve Bryce's problems, but he gives him something he desperately needs: companionship, encouragement and the chance to be an ordinary teenager for a while.
And Mikayla! I enjoyed watching Bryce navigate his feelings for her while trying to become a decent skateboarder. The boy is attempting to impress a girl, find his confidence and avoid falling flat on his face. Literally. Young love is difficult enough without adding wheels.
But what I particularly appreciated was how skateboarding connects Bryce to his late father. It becomes more than a hobby or a competition. It's a way of remembering him, understanding him and discovering something about himself in the process.
I also loved that the story didn't treat Bryce's Ojibwe community as merely a backdrop. The friendships, family relationships, language, traditions and the fight against the proposed oil pipeline all contribute to his growing understanding of where he belongs. The community has its own struggles, but there's also a wonderful sense of people showing up for one another.
And that, for me, was the heart of the book.
Sometimes healing isn't about becoming a completely different person. It's about finding your way back to the people, places and parts of yourself that remind you who you are.
I did feel that there was quite a lot happening at once. Between Bryce's family difficulties, his grandfather's illness, the romance, skateboarding and the pipeline protests, some storylines could have benefited from a little more breathing room. But I appreciated that life doesn't conveniently deal with one problem at a time either.
What stayed with me was Bryce's resilience. Not the sort where a character suffers terribly and suddenly becomes wise beyond their years, but the quieter kind. Learning to accept help, allowing himself to enjoy things again, making mistakes and realising that he doesn't have to carry everything alone.
I started this book expecting a story about a boy learning to skateboard. I finished it thinking about family, grief, community and how much difference it makes when a young person has people who genuinely believe in them.
And somewhere along the way, Byron Graves managed to make me emotionally invested in a skateboarding competition. Me! A woman who would probably need medical assistance just getting onto the board.
A moving, hopeful and thoroughly human story about finding balance, both on and off the skateboard.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.75 ⭐
Listened to audiobook, narrated by Meegwun Fairbrother.
I truly loved my time with Medicine Wheels. Despite its heavy subjects, I found it to be such an encouraging, comforting story - like slipping on a cozy sweater that smells like your favorite person.
Bryce is such a lovable protagonist. He goes through a lot over the course of this novel - grieving the death of his father, dealing with his mom's abusive boyfriend and her alcoholism, and helping out his elderly and ailing grandparents - but through it all, he remains a remarkably grounded, grateful and hopeful kid. He truly appreciates the warm moments of sunshine in his life: a delicious home-cooked meal, a thoughtful gift, the joy of reuniting with an old friend. And yet the novel doesn't shy away from the weight he's carrying either, giving us space to sit with him as he grapples with intense and sometimes contradictory feelings, like trying to balance respect and understanding for what his mother is going through with the very real pain of how she's let him down.
Bryce learning to skateboard is such a wonderful way to weave the different parts of the narrative together. He starts as a complete beginner, struggling just to stand on the board, and we really get to see his practice, mistakes and perseverance pay off in a satisfying but realistic way. The message about focusing on what you enjoy and improving yourself rather than worrying about looking dumb or what others think feels especially resonant today, when perfectionism is rampant and everyone is so afraid of looking cringe. I also loved how so many different people in Bryce's community show up at different moments to guide him on his skating journey - even, sometimes, people he'd normally feel antagonistic towards. I really appreciated those moments of finding common ground in unexpected places.
I also found the medicine wheel theme so clever and effective. I won't pretend to be deeply familiar with Ojibwe medicine wheel teachings - and even the sources I found while researching noted that interpretations can vary from one teacher to another - but I couldn't help noticing what felt like meaningful parallels in the novel's structure. Over the course of the summer, Bryce grows in ways that seem to echo the wheel's quadrants of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual: he navigates the emotional hurts of losing and being let down by family; finds physical release and discipline through skating; develops a political consciousness through his community's fight against pipeline development on the rez; and deepens a spiritual connection to his late father by following in his footsteps as a skater. From my limited perspective, I thought this was a beautiful way of illustrating the teachings through Bryce's story rather than overtly stating them, and it genuinely opened my eyes to how differently an Ojibwe community might process grief and growth compared to what I'm used to seeing. I'd love to hear from readers with a deeper knowledge of these teachings about what else they found in it.
Meegwun Fairbrother's narration was exceptional throughout. His soft intonations suited Bryce's character perfectly and were simply a pleasure to listen to, and his distinct voices for the supporting cast brought the community to life beautifully.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio Children’s for providing an audio ARC.
Listened to audiobook, narrated by Meegwun Fairbrother.
I truly loved my time with Medicine Wheels. Despite its heavy subjects, I found it to be such an encouraging, comforting story - like slipping on a cozy sweater that smells like your favorite person.
Bryce is such a lovable protagonist. He goes through a lot over the course of this novel - grieving the death of his father, dealing with his mom's abusive boyfriend and her alcoholism, and helping out his elderly and ailing grandparents - but through it all, he remains a remarkably grounded, grateful and hopeful kid. He truly appreciates the warm moments of sunshine in his life: a delicious home-cooked meal, a thoughtful gift, the joy of reuniting with an old friend. And yet the novel doesn't shy away from the weight he's carrying either, giving us space to sit with him as he grapples with intense and sometimes contradictory feelings, like trying to balance respect and understanding for what his mother is going through with the very real pain of how she's let him down.
Bryce learning to skateboard is such a wonderful way to weave the different parts of the narrative together. He starts as a complete beginner, struggling just to stand on the board, and we really get to see his practice, mistakes and perseverance pay off in a satisfying but realistic way. The message about focusing on what you enjoy and improving yourself rather than worrying about looking dumb or what others think feels especially resonant today, when perfectionism is rampant and everyone is so afraid of looking cringe. I also loved how so many different people in Bryce's community show up at different moments to guide him on his skating journey - even, sometimes, people he'd normally feel antagonistic towards. I really appreciated those moments of finding common ground in unexpected places.
I also found the medicine wheel theme so clever and effective. I won't pretend to be deeply familiar with Ojibwe medicine wheel teachings - and even the sources I found while researching noted that interpretations can vary from one teacher to another - but I couldn't help noticing what felt like meaningful parallels in the novel's structure. Over the course of the summer, Bryce grows in ways that seem to echo the wheel's quadrants of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual: he navigates the emotional hurts of losing and being let down by family; finds physical release and discipline through skating; develops a political consciousness through his community's fight against pipeline development on the rez; and deepens a spiritual connection to his late father by following in his footsteps as a skater. From my limited perspective, I thought this was a beautiful way of illustrating the teachings through Bryce's story rather than overtly stating them, and it genuinely opened my eyes to how differently an Ojibwe community might process grief and growth compared to what I'm used to seeing. I'd love to hear from readers with a deeper knowledge of these teachings about what else they found in it.
Meegwun Fairbrother's narration was exceptional throughout. His soft intonations suited Bryce's character perfectly and were simply a pleasure to listen to, and his distinct voices for the supporting cast brought the community to life beautifully.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperAudio Children’s for providing an audio ARC.
June 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books/Heartdrum for providing this eBook in exchange for my review.
In this story, we meet Bryce, an Ojibwe teenager, who is having a difficult time. Since his father died, Bryce's mom has not been the same. She's moved them away from Wolf Creek. They're living with her latest abusive boyfriend. Bryce is in an environment where he doesn't feel welcomed, safe or nurtured. He's anxious, insecure and lonely. He's missing his friends, grandparents and still mourning the loss of this dad.
After defending his mom from the abusive boyfriend, Bryce and his mom leave. Bryce is worried about how they're going to make it through the summer. Bryce's anxiousness about what comes next for him is understandable after living with so much instability and neglectfulness for so long. In a matter of days, his mother is arrested for violating her probation and Bryce is back in Wolf Creek living with his grandparents.
I loved how his grandmother and his best friend, Robbie, immediately went into protective mode about Bryce. I liked how Bryce was able to reconnect with Mikayla and how easy it was for them to fall back into being friends. I liked that Robbie and Bryce's grandmother encouraged him to pursue skateboarding like his dad had done when he was Bryce's age. Since Mikayla was already making a name for herself in skateboarding, it was another way for him to potentially spend time with her. I liked that Bryce had something fun and exciting to look forward to everyday instead of worrying about his mom being in jail and his grandfather's failing health.
Robbie, Mikayla, Caroline and Aaliyah helped ground Bryce and encouraged him. I liked how they worked together to protest the pipeline. How they lifted each other up, didn't let others try to tear them down and held each other accountable when necessary. They are a great support system for each other.
I loved how Bryce's extended family looked out for him in any way they could. How Robbie's mom treated Bryce like he was her son. I loved the scenes between Bryce and his grandparents. Bryce's surprise party was the highlight for me. In a short amount of time, Bryce went from being lonely and ignored to being loved and supported.
I found myself being angry with Bryce's mom for not seeing how her behavior was affecting him. Especially when she became defensive when the grandmother asked her to give her permission to enroll Bryce into the Wolf Creek high school. A good example of how sometimes parents think they know what's best, but sometimes they really don't.
It was exciting to read how much skateboarding brought joy into Bryce's life. Especially as he continued to excel at the sport and grew more confident in himself. By the time we get to the competition, Bryce is more sure of himself and is able to Skaté.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The pacing was steady, It was an easy read and packed a lot of love of the Ojibwe culture and heritage throughout. I especially appreciated that the author provided a glossary at the end so we'd be able to pronounce names and words used in the story.
In this story, we meet Bryce, an Ojibwe teenager, who is having a difficult time. Since his father died, Bryce's mom has not been the same. She's moved them away from Wolf Creek. They're living with her latest abusive boyfriend. Bryce is in an environment where he doesn't feel welcomed, safe or nurtured. He's anxious, insecure and lonely. He's missing his friends, grandparents and still mourning the loss of this dad.
After defending his mom from the abusive boyfriend, Bryce and his mom leave. Bryce is worried about how they're going to make it through the summer. Bryce's anxiousness about what comes next for him is understandable after living with so much instability and neglectfulness for so long. In a matter of days, his mother is arrested for violating her probation and Bryce is back in Wolf Creek living with his grandparents.
I loved how his grandmother and his best friend, Robbie, immediately went into protective mode about Bryce. I liked how Bryce was able to reconnect with Mikayla and how easy it was for them to fall back into being friends. I liked that Robbie and Bryce's grandmother encouraged him to pursue skateboarding like his dad had done when he was Bryce's age. Since Mikayla was already making a name for herself in skateboarding, it was another way for him to potentially spend time with her. I liked that Bryce had something fun and exciting to look forward to everyday instead of worrying about his mom being in jail and his grandfather's failing health.
Robbie, Mikayla, Caroline and Aaliyah helped ground Bryce and encouraged him. I liked how they worked together to protest the pipeline. How they lifted each other up, didn't let others try to tear them down and held each other accountable when necessary. They are a great support system for each other.
I loved how Bryce's extended family looked out for him in any way they could. How Robbie's mom treated Bryce like he was her son. I loved the scenes between Bryce and his grandparents. Bryce's surprise party was the highlight for me. In a short amount of time, Bryce went from being lonely and ignored to being loved and supported.
I found myself being angry with Bryce's mom for not seeing how her behavior was affecting him. Especially when she became defensive when the grandmother asked her to give her permission to enroll Bryce into the Wolf Creek high school. A good example of how sometimes parents think they know what's best, but sometimes they really don't.
It was exciting to read how much skateboarding brought joy into Bryce's life. Especially as he continued to excel at the sport and grew more confident in himself. By the time we get to the competition, Bryce is more sure of himself and is able to Skaté.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The pacing was steady, It was an easy read and packed a lot of love of the Ojibwe culture and heritage throughout. I especially appreciated that the author provided a glossary at the end so we'd be able to pronounce names and words used in the story.
July 3, 2026
MEDICINE WHEELS by Byron Graves is a must add to your summer reading list for the story takes place entirely in the summer before Bryce’s junior year of high school. It just felt right reading it on these hot days. And it’s such a good read, the sooner, the better!
What I loved most about this YA book:
The Heart: At its core, MEDICINE WHEELS is a story about Bryce's grounding relationship with his grandparents. However, it is beautifully complicated by the grief he carries for his father, his tangled love for his mother, and the healing support of his friends on the Wolf Creek Reservation where he grew up.
The Culture: Byron Graves beautifully weaves Ojibwe language, customs, and community into the story. In the back of the book there is an Ojibwe Glossary. Miiigwech (mee-gwech):thank you.! (There’s also Skateboarding Terminology at the end of the book.)
The Skateboarding: I surprised myself how much I loved reading about the skateboarding! But it’s because of the way the book is written: I could feel the kinetic energy of being on a skateboard and at times, from the descriptions,I felt like I was watching a movie. Bryce is learning, he crashes a lot, but his determination keeps him rolling. In the story, skateboarding serves as the perfect metaphor for finding your balance in a chaotic world.
“I launch into the air. Spinning backward, turning a full 180.
The bottom of my shoes scratch at the grip tape of my board.
Hold on. Feels right.
And then .., the hiss of a snake, the whir of a strong gust of winds. The wheels of my board kiss the cement, my feet stay on, and I gain my balance.
Whoa! Was that a miracle or was it me?”
I’ve tried not to say too much about this story because I didn’t know too much about it and thoroughly enjoyed reading it that way. I haven’t read REZ BALL, Byron Graves’s debut novel. It won several prestigious literary awards. Id like to read it, have you?
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What I loved most about this YA book:
The Heart: At its core, MEDICINE WHEELS is a story about Bryce's grounding relationship with his grandparents. However, it is beautifully complicated by the grief he carries for his father, his tangled love for his mother, and the healing support of his friends on the Wolf Creek Reservation where he grew up.
The Culture: Byron Graves beautifully weaves Ojibwe language, customs, and community into the story. In the back of the book there is an Ojibwe Glossary. Miiigwech (mee-gwech):thank you.! (There’s also Skateboarding Terminology at the end of the book.)
The Skateboarding: I surprised myself how much I loved reading about the skateboarding! But it’s because of the way the book is written: I could feel the kinetic energy of being on a skateboard and at times, from the descriptions,I felt like I was watching a movie. Bryce is learning, he crashes a lot, but his determination keeps him rolling. In the story, skateboarding serves as the perfect metaphor for finding your balance in a chaotic world.
“I launch into the air. Spinning backward, turning a full 180.
The bottom of my shoes scratch at the grip tape of my board.
Hold on. Feels right.
And then .., the hiss of a snake, the whir of a strong gust of winds. The wheels of my board kiss the cement, my feet stay on, and I gain my balance.
Whoa! Was that a miracle or was it me?”
I’ve tried not to say too much about this story because I didn’t know too much about it and thoroughly enjoyed reading it that way. I haven’t read REZ BALL, Byron Graves’s debut novel. It won several prestigious literary awards. Id like to read it, have you?
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
June 27, 2026
Bryce Fairbanks is just trying to survive a brutal home life with his mom, and mom’s boyfriend. He’s counting down the days that he’s able to reunite with his friend, Robbie and go back to his hometown for a little bit. His friend, Robbie is a talented skater, and once Bryce is back in Wolf Creek Reservation, he feels a bit more like himself. But not everything is easy. Bryce is like any teenager. He has his own struggles, but he’s also dealing with emotional trauma, homelessness, and much more. He’s just a kid trying to survive.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I just wanted to take Bryce and give him shelter, love, and so many hugs. I absolutely adored Bryce’s grandparents. They were so sweet. I thought that Bryce has a good inner circle back at home. His grandparents, Robbie, Robbie’s mom, his auntie, and Mikayla. The characters in this story are so layered. Each one of them is unique and I enjoyed getting to know them. The story follows Bryce, Robbie, and Mikayla at the local state park and their rivals, the Lost Boys. The interactions between their rivals gets very intense and a bet is placed at the skateboarding championship. Who will come on top?
"Skaté."
I ended up getting the audiobook, and the narrator Meegwun Fairbrother did an amazing job portraying Bryce, and the rest of the characters. I loved being able to hear the indigenous language come to life. For me the indigenous language is one that I love to hear and I’m sure I don’t give it justice when I try to say it while I’m reading. So this truly elevated the book for me.
This is perfect for readers who enjoy coming of age, found family, Ojibwe culture, rez life.While this book does explore dark themes like absent parent, grandfather’s death, cancer, please don’t let it dissuade you.
A very special thanks to @harpercollins +@quilltreebooks for the gifted copy.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I just wanted to take Bryce and give him shelter, love, and so many hugs. I absolutely adored Bryce’s grandparents. They were so sweet. I thought that Bryce has a good inner circle back at home. His grandparents, Robbie, Robbie’s mom, his auntie, and Mikayla. The characters in this story are so layered. Each one of them is unique and I enjoyed getting to know them. The story follows Bryce, Robbie, and Mikayla at the local state park and their rivals, the Lost Boys. The interactions between their rivals gets very intense and a bet is placed at the skateboarding championship. Who will come on top?
"Skaté."
I ended up getting the audiobook, and the narrator Meegwun Fairbrother did an amazing job portraying Bryce, and the rest of the characters. I loved being able to hear the indigenous language come to life. For me the indigenous language is one that I love to hear and I’m sure I don’t give it justice when I try to say it while I’m reading. So this truly elevated the book for me.
This is perfect for readers who enjoy coming of age, found family, Ojibwe culture, rez life.While this book does explore dark themes like absent parent, grandfather’s death, cancer, please don’t let it dissuade you.
A very special thanks to @harpercollins +@quilltreebooks for the gifted copy.
August 26, 2026
I eagerly anticipated Medicine Wheels after reading all of the accolades Graves’ previous book, Rez Ball, received. It certainly did not disappoint, as the author delivers a deeply impactful story about an Ojibwe teenager coping with difficult experiences while learning how to build and deepen relationships with others and his community at large. The author was able to use his Ojibwe identity to create an authentic reading experience about reservation life. The story follows Bryce, who escapes with his mother from her abusive partner while also coping with the loss of his father and his mother’s subsequent struggles with substance abuse. When his mother is arrested for violating probation from a prior charge, Bryce is placed in the care of his grandmother and dying grandfather back on his home reservation. Returning home is a welcome relief from the bullying and ostracization he experienced from his peers at his current reservation. Bryce is able to reconnect with old friends and build a strong support system as they work together to protest a proposed pipeline that threatens the reservation’s land. He also copes with his grief by taking up skating, a sport that was meaningful to both his late father and the girl he has a crush on. Readers experience the highs and lows of being a teenager while navigating deeply traumatic experiences. This title will certainly be a wonderful read for many teens, particularly those looking to find connections to their own experiences or learn about the different journeys of others. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
November 1, 2026
4.75 stars, losing a quarter star for a slightly slow stretch and my tear ducts being overworked.
Bryce spends a lot of this book falling off a skateboard. I spent a lot of it trying not to cry on public transport.
Bryce's dad is gone, his mum can't be there, and suddenly he's living with his grandparents on Wolf Creek reservation with no real plan. What he does have is a skate park, a couple of mates, a girl he's desperate to impress, and a championship at the end of the summer. It's a summer story, but not the kind with ice lollies and sunsets. Well, there's a bit of that. Mostly there's grief, wipeouts, and a kid trying very hard not to feel like a loser.
What worked for me: Everything about Bryce feels like a real teenager, from the awkwardness to the junk food to the way he'd rather face-plant in front of everyone than admit he's hurting. Graves writes grief in a way that's honest and never overdone, with plenty of warmth and humour so it doesn't feel like a weight on your chest. The community around him is what makes it feel hopeful rather than bleak, with his grandparents, friends, and the elders all playing a part. I also loved the skateboarding scenes. Even if you've never touched a board, you'll feel every bruise and every tiny win.
What didn't: Honestly, not much. The middle stretch slows down a touch, and a few of the teenage drama beats are ones you can see coming from the other side of the skate park. It also hits hard emotionally, so keep some tissues nearby.
Overall: Warm, funny, and gut-punchingly honest. A brilliant YA read that works just as well if you're an adult who forgot how big everything felt at sixteen. Highly recommended.
Bryce spends a lot of this book falling off a skateboard. I spent a lot of it trying not to cry on public transport.
Bryce's dad is gone, his mum can't be there, and suddenly he's living with his grandparents on Wolf Creek reservation with no real plan. What he does have is a skate park, a couple of mates, a girl he's desperate to impress, and a championship at the end of the summer. It's a summer story, but not the kind with ice lollies and sunsets. Well, there's a bit of that. Mostly there's grief, wipeouts, and a kid trying very hard not to feel like a loser.
What worked for me: Everything about Bryce feels like a real teenager, from the awkwardness to the junk food to the way he'd rather face-plant in front of everyone than admit he's hurting. Graves writes grief in a way that's honest and never overdone, with plenty of warmth and humour so it doesn't feel like a weight on your chest. The community around him is what makes it feel hopeful rather than bleak, with his grandparents, friends, and the elders all playing a part. I also loved the skateboarding scenes. Even if you've never touched a board, you'll feel every bruise and every tiny win.
What didn't: Honestly, not much. The middle stretch slows down a touch, and a few of the teenage drama beats are ones you can see coming from the other side of the skate park. It also hits hard emotionally, so keep some tissues nearby.
Overall: Warm, funny, and gut-punchingly honest. A brilliant YA read that works just as well if you're an adult who forgot how big everything felt at sixteen. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I previously really enjoyed Rez Ball by Byron Graves, so I was excited when I saw this book was coming out. Medicine Wheels is a compelling YA book about Bryce, an Ojibwe teen, reconnecting with old friends and family when he moves back to the Wolf Creek reservation for the summer after his mom ends up in jail. The story is full of friendship, activism, personal growth, and Bryce learning to skateboard.
I loved following Bryce throughout the story and seeing the ways that he gets more confident in himself. He’s had some rough times, but with his friends and family he’s able to push through. There are so many strong supporting characters in the book with Bryce’s Ojibwe community. I also absolutely loved the skateboarding plot, it was so rewarding to read about Bryce dedicating himself to improving and seeing others support him in his journey. Byron Graves’ writing elevated all those scenes, the joy he feels when accomplishing new tricks really comes through.
I’d definitely recommend this to people who are fans of YA contemporary stories or are interested in trying out a different flavor of sports fiction. The audiobook is excellent, Meegwun Fairbrother’s narration helps to bring all the different characters to life.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved following Bryce throughout the story and seeing the ways that he gets more confident in himself. He’s had some rough times, but with his friends and family he’s able to push through. There are so many strong supporting characters in the book with Bryce’s Ojibwe community. I also absolutely loved the skateboarding plot, it was so rewarding to read about Bryce dedicating himself to improving and seeing others support him in his journey. Byron Graves’ writing elevated all those scenes, the joy he feels when accomplishing new tricks really comes through.
I’d definitely recommend this to people who are fans of YA contemporary stories or are interested in trying out a different flavor of sports fiction. The audiobook is excellent, Meegwun Fairbrother’s narration helps to bring all the different characters to life.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tropes/Themes: Community, Small Town, Skateboarding, Found Family, Grandparent Death, Cancer, Addiction, Absent Parent, Coming of Age, Grief
I LOVED this book. This is the second book by this author I have read this year and honestly I cannot wait for their next one. The author does a phenomenal job of having heavy topics dicussed throughout the book but adding in glimmers of hope throughout the story. I also like the both books are heavily influenced by their personal experiences. HIGHLY recommend reading the authors note when you read this one.
I will be honest I don't know much about skateboarding, but I loved that aspect of the book and I feel like I learned some things. It made me want to go look up some of the tricks in the book so I knew what they were attempting.
I really enjoyed the realtionship between Bryce, Robby, and Michela (did audio so not sure on spelling). I think a strong friend group can get people through so many difficult times in their lives. That intertwined with the supportiveness of the skating culture was truly heartwarming to me. I liked that their relationships weren't perfect, but nuanced and they admitted when they messed up.
The relationship between Robby and his grandparents really got to me- I definitely cried quite a bit when something happens to his grandfather. It was handled with care in the story and I enjoyed how Robbys character processed through his grief, even if he didn't always make the best choices.
overall another fantastic book by this author and can't wait for everyone to read it!
I LOVED this book. This is the second book by this author I have read this year and honestly I cannot wait for their next one. The author does a phenomenal job of having heavy topics dicussed throughout the book but adding in glimmers of hope throughout the story. I also like the both books are heavily influenced by their personal experiences. HIGHLY recommend reading the authors note when you read this one.
I will be honest I don't know much about skateboarding, but I loved that aspect of the book and I feel like I learned some things. It made me want to go look up some of the tricks in the book so I knew what they were attempting.
I really enjoyed the realtionship between Bryce, Robby, and Michela (did audio so not sure on spelling). I think a strong friend group can get people through so many difficult times in their lives. That intertwined with the supportiveness of the skating culture was truly heartwarming to me. I liked that their relationships weren't perfect, but nuanced and they admitted when they messed up.
The relationship between Robby and his grandparents really got to me- I definitely cried quite a bit when something happens to his grandfather. It was handled with care in the story and I enjoyed how Robbys character processed through his grief, even if he didn't always make the best choices.
overall another fantastic book by this author and can't wait for everyone to read it!
June 12, 2026
I had read Rez Ball but I was curious about this book. I was never into skateboarding but was curious about this story. Bryce is a teenager who finds himself at a loss: his mom finally breaks it off with her abusive boyfriend but lands in jail for breaking probation. Bryce has nowhere to call home and nothing but the clothes on his back. So he crashes over at his grandparents' home but it is not without its complications: his grandfather is dying, he doesn't know when he'll see his mom again, and the place is full of memories.
Throughout the summer Bryce learns to skateboard, following his dad's footsteps. It helps with the uncertainty he's dealing with as well as generally letting him work through his feelings and stress. I do like that overall the story ends on a positive (relatively speaking, as there is a familial death) note, too.
It was okay. I didn't care for Rez Ball but wanted to give the author another shot. And I did find the opening chapters really compelling. But I am unfamiliar with skateboarding and something about Graves's style is not one I can connect with. I thought that there was a really good story here, but really needed a better editor and I ended up skimming most of the book.
But I did think it was an interesting concept overall and I'll bet this will be an important for someone who is Ojibwe or anyone who's ever felt like Bryce has or has ever been in a similar situation, etc. I'll keep an eye out for other books by the author but will probably just stick to library borrows.
Got it from the library and that was best for me.
Throughout the summer Bryce learns to skateboard, following his dad's footsteps. It helps with the uncertainty he's dealing with as well as generally letting him work through his feelings and stress. I do like that overall the story ends on a positive (relatively speaking, as there is a familial death) note, too.
It was okay. I didn't care for Rez Ball but wanted to give the author another shot. And I did find the opening chapters really compelling. But I am unfamiliar with skateboarding and something about Graves's style is not one I can connect with. I thought that there was a really good story here, but really needed a better editor and I ended up skimming most of the book.
But I did think it was an interesting concept overall and I'll bet this will be an important for someone who is Ojibwe or anyone who's ever felt like Bryce has or has ever been in a similar situation, etc. I'll keep an eye out for other books by the author but will probably just stick to library borrows.
Got it from the library and that was best for me.
June 22, 2026
This book was one that as hard for me to rate and review. I met the author at a teacher convention, and I just adore him. I love Rez Ball, and I liked this one too, but what made it difficult for me is my conservative nature made the references to teenage drinking, vaping, and weed smoking just a little too much. I want to have students read this, but it is hard to recommend a book with that stuff mentioned so much. Maybe it wasn't as much as it seemed, but I wish teens wouldn't vape.
Okay, not that that is out of the way, let me get to what I liked. I liked the story like of the underdog kid learning to skate. I loved the romance. It was emotional writing. It was hard for me to listen to at times because I just lost my dad, and it is so hard when the main character is losing his grandpa. I like some of the issues of poverty and parents struggling because it is a reality for so many students and this book can offer a sort of hope for students in similar situations.
I love the Mario Kart references and just the way the book is written. I like that the bullies have layers as well. They are not just bullies and nothing else. There is a complexity to them that we see in real life.
I would rate this book 4 stars just because of the drinking and vaping stuff. I know that it is a reality, but I felt it could have been left out.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an Audio ARC. This did not change my review. I liked the book, but there was a little that I didn't love.
Okay, not that that is out of the way, let me get to what I liked. I liked the story like of the underdog kid learning to skate. I loved the romance. It was emotional writing. It was hard for me to listen to at times because I just lost my dad, and it is so hard when the main character is losing his grandpa. I like some of the issues of poverty and parents struggling because it is a reality for so many students and this book can offer a sort of hope for students in similar situations.
I love the Mario Kart references and just the way the book is written. I like that the bullies have layers as well. They are not just bullies and nothing else. There is a complexity to them that we see in real life.
I would rate this book 4 stars just because of the drinking and vaping stuff. I know that it is a reality, but I felt it could have been left out.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an Audio ARC. This did not change my review. I liked the book, but there was a little that I didn't love.
June 13, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a copy via NetGalley
This was phenomenal. I really enjoyed Graves’ debut Rez Ball, but this was absolutely amazing. I think Graves has found their voice writing Indigenous teens playing sports to escape life, while also finding a new hobby.
Bryce felt like one of the most realistic teenage characters I’ve ever read from. His struggles are things that happen to many Indigenous teens, but he finds his footing and lives his life how he wants to.
Bryce decides to start skateboarding the summer before grade 12, and he eventually feels close to his dad, who died unexpectedly when he was close to 10 years old. Picking up a hobby that your parents or grandparents did just feels different, and I love how Graves explored that in this book. I started to do hobbies that my granny did after she died (crochet specifically), and I felt like Bryce did. Even though she died a few years ago, I feel closer to her now that I’m doing something she loved to do. I love how Graves explores that theme in this book, among SO many others.
Now as someone who is a teacher, I love reading YA books to find things I can have in my classroom. I’ve always loved YA books, but now I read them through the lens of what can I include in my classroom to make kids feel represented? This is a phenomenal book, and it’s one I would definitely want to use as a novel study, but also to just have in a classroom for kids to read!
This was phenomenal. I really enjoyed Graves’ debut Rez Ball, but this was absolutely amazing. I think Graves has found their voice writing Indigenous teens playing sports to escape life, while also finding a new hobby.
Bryce felt like one of the most realistic teenage characters I’ve ever read from. His struggles are things that happen to many Indigenous teens, but he finds his footing and lives his life how he wants to.
Bryce decides to start skateboarding the summer before grade 12, and he eventually feels close to his dad, who died unexpectedly when he was close to 10 years old. Picking up a hobby that your parents or grandparents did just feels different, and I love how Graves explored that in this book. I started to do hobbies that my granny did after she died (crochet specifically), and I felt like Bryce did. Even though she died a few years ago, I feel closer to her now that I’m doing something she loved to do. I love how Graves explores that theme in this book, among SO many others.
Now as someone who is a teacher, I love reading YA books to find things I can have in my classroom. I’ve always loved YA books, but now I read them through the lens of what can I include in my classroom to make kids feel represented? This is a phenomenal book, and it’s one I would definitely want to use as a novel study, but also to just have in a classroom for kids to read!
July 20, 2026
Bryce wants out of it all: the bullying at school, his mother’s constant bad decisions, and the Green Lake Reservation in general. So, when his mother ends up back in jail from trying to get away from an abusive boyfriend, Bryce ends up back with his paternal grandparents on the Wolf Creek Reservation. Bryce knows everyone at Wolf Creek, and they all know him; he’s the spitting image of his father, who passed away suddenly when Bryce was nine. Now, even though he’s been gone for two years, Bryce immediately connects with his best friend Robbie, as well as another close childhood friend, Mikayla, who are both skaters. Using his father’s old skateboard, he begins learning how fun and therapeutic skating can be. The more he learns, the more Bryce begins to think that this summer will be much better. Unfortunately, life is still a roller coaster. His grandfather is dying from cancer, a company called DXL is trying to put a pipeline on Wolf Creek land, new bullies emerge, his mother wants back into his life, and he can’t tell where his relationship with Mikayla is going. Are they good friends? More than that? As Bryce navigates through all of this, he continues to find refuge in skating.
So much to love about this coming-of-age story. Author Byron Graves knows how to create realistic, unforgettable teenage characters that young readers will connect with. Can’t wait to share this one with my students.
So much to love about this coming-of-age story. Author Byron Graves knows how to create realistic, unforgettable teenage characters that young readers will connect with. Can’t wait to share this one with my students.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh Byron Graves, please stick around for a very long time.
Bryce's life is full of ups and downs after the death of his father because Mom runs from guy to guy (generally abusive, alcohol fueled fighting) that pulled him off the rez he had lived on with his grandparents and friends to another, but he's ping-ponged back to that rez now that his mom is in jail and he's been welcomed back to the home of his grandparents to provide him with stability, though his grandfather is dying.
This glimpse into family life is a bittersweet moment that Bryce isn't taking for granted. His grandparents have always been rock solid and now he can dream bigger than ever and feel comfortable and settled, hanging out with his best friend again and a girl who are both into skateboarding that he has also decided to use to gain a newfound sense of confidence and get closer to the girl, Mikayla, too.
It's so solid. And Bryce's aunt is a fully-formed character who brings Bryce several times to the jail to see his mom who he realizes needs to be confronted about letting him stay with his grandparents and enroll him in the fall back into the school on the rez, where he belongs and can thrive. For him and his future. It has all the hallmarks of a hard road to a hopeful future. And I can't love it more.
Bryce's life is full of ups and downs after the death of his father because Mom runs from guy to guy (generally abusive, alcohol fueled fighting) that pulled him off the rez he had lived on with his grandparents and friends to another, but he's ping-ponged back to that rez now that his mom is in jail and he's been welcomed back to the home of his grandparents to provide him with stability, though his grandfather is dying.
This glimpse into family life is a bittersweet moment that Bryce isn't taking for granted. His grandparents have always been rock solid and now he can dream bigger than ever and feel comfortable and settled, hanging out with his best friend again and a girl who are both into skateboarding that he has also decided to use to gain a newfound sense of confidence and get closer to the girl, Mikayla, too.
It's so solid. And Bryce's aunt is a fully-formed character who brings Bryce several times to the jail to see his mom who he realizes needs to be confronted about letting him stay with his grandparents and enroll him in the fall back into the school on the rez, where he belongs and can thrive. For him and his future. It has all the hallmarks of a hard road to a hopeful future. And I can't love it more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'd like to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced reader copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
"Medicine Wheels" is a strong story. There is a lot of grief and growth packed into the pages, and I think a lot of this would resonate with younger readers. It's honest and raw in places, and it definitely strikes a cord of nostalgia for the long and easy summers when you're a teenager.
As a teacher, due to the language and substance use, I would say you could use it with older students. The weight of the story itself lends itself to very earnest conversations about grief, dealing with parents who don't always come through, community, and indigenous issues such as colonizer use of land, life on a rez, and what it means to be native.
There are some things I was looking for but didn't get - like more of a resolution between Aiden and Bryce. After the skateboard competition, there is no closure with the Lost Boys, and Aiden in particular felt like someone Bryce was supposed to have connected with. I also wanted more to happen regarding the pipeline story, but we got an 'ending' to that, and there wasn't much conversation about it after. More a moving on to something else.
Overall, I think this is a solid book that should be recommended to high school students.
"Medicine Wheels" is a strong story. There is a lot of grief and growth packed into the pages, and I think a lot of this would resonate with younger readers. It's honest and raw in places, and it definitely strikes a cord of nostalgia for the long and easy summers when you're a teenager.
As a teacher, due to the language and substance use, I would say you could use it with older students. The weight of the story itself lends itself to very earnest conversations about grief, dealing with parents who don't always come through, community, and indigenous issues such as colonizer use of land, life on a rez, and what it means to be native.
There are some things I was looking for but didn't get - like more of a resolution between Aiden and Bryce. After the skateboard competition, there is no closure with the Lost Boys, and Aiden in particular felt like someone Bryce was supposed to have connected with. I also wanted more to happen regarding the pipeline story, but we got an 'ending' to that, and there wasn't much conversation about it after. More a moving on to something else.
Overall, I think this is a solid book that should be recommended to high school students.
July 8, 2026
4.5 Stars
After reading (and loving) Rez Ball back in 2024, I was thrilled to see another book by Byron Graves coming out this year.
In Medicine Wheels we follow Bryce, a teen who is spending the summer at his grandparents' house in his former hometown, an Ojibwe reservation. Bryce passes his time reconnecting with old friends, helping his grandmother care for his ill grandfather, and learning how to skate.
While you might look at the cover and think this book is only about skateboarding, Medicine Wheels includes many complex themes such as grief, friendship, hard work, dedication, and standing up for your beliefs.
One thing I’ve loved in each book I’ve read by Graves is his portrayal of teenagers. I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on teenagers per se; however, working in a high school setting and spending 180 days every year with hundreds of 14-18 year olds, I can say with “authority” that Graves knows how to write a realistic teenage perspective.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the sports fiction elements. While I have never been a skateboarder, I thoroughly appreciated seeing Bryce working his butt off to learn how to skate. It is so important, especially with a YA audience, to depict a character struggling while learning a new hobby or activity. There is so much hard work and dedication that goes into learning something new, and I love exploring that journey in YA books.
There are many wonderful indigenous authors writing for the YA audience like Ari Tison, Jen Ferguson, and (of course) Angeline Boulley. I truly think Graves can hang with these authors. He is a criminally underhyped author.
***Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After reading (and loving) Rez Ball back in 2024, I was thrilled to see another book by Byron Graves coming out this year.
In Medicine Wheels we follow Bryce, a teen who is spending the summer at his grandparents' house in his former hometown, an Ojibwe reservation. Bryce passes his time reconnecting with old friends, helping his grandmother care for his ill grandfather, and learning how to skate.
While you might look at the cover and think this book is only about skateboarding, Medicine Wheels includes many complex themes such as grief, friendship, hard work, dedication, and standing up for your beliefs.
One thing I’ve loved in each book I’ve read by Graves is his portrayal of teenagers. I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on teenagers per se; however, working in a high school setting and spending 180 days every year with hundreds of 14-18 year olds, I can say with “authority” that Graves knows how to write a realistic teenage perspective.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the sports fiction elements. While I have never been a skateboarder, I thoroughly appreciated seeing Bryce working his butt off to learn how to skate. It is so important, especially with a YA audience, to depict a character struggling while learning a new hobby or activity. There is so much hard work and dedication that goes into learning something new, and I love exploring that journey in YA books.
There are many wonderful indigenous authors writing for the YA audience like Ari Tison, Jen Ferguson, and (of course) Angeline Boulley. I truly think Graves can hang with these authors. He is a criminally underhyped author.
***Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2026
After Bryce's mom gets in a fight with her abusive boyfriend, they leave but mom later lands in jail for possession of prescription drugs that weren't hers. Bryce ends up in a more stable situation with his grandparents, in the room where his (deceased) father grew up. However, his grandpa is diagnosed with cancer, an oil company wants to build a pipeline next to the rez, and he has a lot of complicated feelings natural for a teen in his situation. He reunites with some of his childhood friends, including Robbie, who is an avid skateboarder and wants to teach him some of the tricks. Bryce also meets up with Mikayla, who he had previously met at an Ojibwe language immersion camp. She is also a skateboarder and her dad owns a well known Indigenous skateboard manufacturing company. Bryce and Mikayla start dating but her high pressure dad thinks that Bryce is not good enough for his daughter. Bryce's friend Caroline and her partner Aaliyah are dead set against the pipeline and the damage it would do to the reservation and they team up with the other teens in their activism work. All the plotlines come together smoothly. Characters display emotional growth, especially as Bryce's mental health improves. Lots of skateboarding action, family relationships, as well as a little bit of romance.
CW: cancer, incarceration, domestic violence, grief/loss
CW: cancer, incarceration, domestic violence, grief/loss
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
After reading Graves's _Rez Ball_, I couldn't wait to start this new book. I have to say that I enjoyed getting to know Bryce and his friends and family even more. This is a great one!
Bryce and his mom are going through a tough time. After his father's death, Bryce's mom hooks up with a less than ideal individual who puts their family in some tough spots. When his mom is incarcerated, Bryce has limited resources and ends up with his grandparents. They are also going through some major life changes, but their love for Bryce is palpable, and that's just what he needs at this stage.
I loved getting to know Bryce. He's going through a lot, but he's a very hopeful kid. His struggles are both relatable and specific to his circumstances. No matter how many personal obstacles he faces, he's able to set and achieve goals, form healthy relationships, and demonstrate grit. On top of that, there's fantastic representation here, which I've come to expect from this author.
This is a great read. Graves's books are now on my immediate TBR list, and I'm excited for the next one already.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Heartdrum for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
After reading Graves's _Rez Ball_, I couldn't wait to start this new book. I have to say that I enjoyed getting to know Bryce and his friends and family even more. This is a great one!
Bryce and his mom are going through a tough time. After his father's death, Bryce's mom hooks up with a less than ideal individual who puts their family in some tough spots. When his mom is incarcerated, Bryce has limited resources and ends up with his grandparents. They are also going through some major life changes, but their love for Bryce is palpable, and that's just what he needs at this stage.
I loved getting to know Bryce. He's going through a lot, but he's a very hopeful kid. His struggles are both relatable and specific to his circumstances. No matter how many personal obstacles he faces, he's able to set and achieve goals, form healthy relationships, and demonstrate grit. On top of that, there's fantastic representation here, which I've come to expect from this author.
This is a great read. Graves's books are now on my immediate TBR list, and I'm excited for the next one already.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Heartdrum for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Medicine Wheels is a definite must for any high school library.
When Bryce finds himself alone and kicked out of the seedy motel that he and his mother had been staying in, he has a choice - walk to his grandparents trailer or to his best friend Robbie's house. He arrives at his grandparents with nothing but the clothes on his back and is welcomed by his grandmother with open arms. Bryce starts to spend his days at the local skate park with his friend Robbie, quickly becoming obsessed with learning to skateboard and pushing himself to improve. As he begins to find himself through skate culture, he is also dealing with the news that his grandfather is terminally ill and coming home on hospice and that his mother is in jail for breaking parole.
Bryce is a character that I really felt for. He is trying his best to deal with the hardships that he is going through while also trying to support his culture and family. He's a very self-aware teen, but it is believable because he has clearly had to grow up fast with all the things he has dealt with since the passing of his father,
The glossary at the back of the book was also very helpful - for both the Ojibwe language and the skater terms used throughout the story.
Thank you #NetGalley for the digital audio arc!
When Bryce finds himself alone and kicked out of the seedy motel that he and his mother had been staying in, he has a choice - walk to his grandparents trailer or to his best friend Robbie's house. He arrives at his grandparents with nothing but the clothes on his back and is welcomed by his grandmother with open arms. Bryce starts to spend his days at the local skate park with his friend Robbie, quickly becoming obsessed with learning to skateboard and pushing himself to improve. As he begins to find himself through skate culture, he is also dealing with the news that his grandfather is terminally ill and coming home on hospice and that his mother is in jail for breaking parole.
Bryce is a character that I really felt for. He is trying his best to deal with the hardships that he is going through while also trying to support his culture and family. He's a very self-aware teen, but it is believable because he has clearly had to grow up fast with all the things he has dealt with since the passing of his father,
The glossary at the back of the book was also very helpful - for both the Ojibwe language and the skater terms used throughout the story.
Thank you #NetGalley for the digital audio arc!
April 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
An own voices story that follows Bryce as he navigates one summer with lots of changes.. These changes also reflect what many indigenous youth face today- alcoholism, peer relationships, school and family drama, self-doubt, and trying to fit in.
It is hard to rate this book as this is not my story or my culture; but, I do think this would resonate with youth of any culture. The author does an amazing job with reflecting the insecurities we all have eternally at this age.
My only complaint is, I felt like the book was trying to do too much. There is a great plot line of an oil company attempting to put pipelines through this reservation and I don’t know if that got the attention it deserved or was done to spread awareness. This plot line seemed important, but was over very quickly.
Overall, this would be a great book for middle grade or young adults as it really does give a empathetic view to kids that are struggling and to show them that they are not alone and other kids the feel the same way as they do.
Thank you to the author, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for an advanced copy to listen to and share my humble thoughts and opinions.
An own voices story that follows Bryce as he navigates one summer with lots of changes.. These changes also reflect what many indigenous youth face today- alcoholism, peer relationships, school and family drama, self-doubt, and trying to fit in.
It is hard to rate this book as this is not my story or my culture; but, I do think this would resonate with youth of any culture. The author does an amazing job with reflecting the insecurities we all have eternally at this age.
My only complaint is, I felt like the book was trying to do too much. There is a great plot line of an oil company attempting to put pipelines through this reservation and I don’t know if that got the attention it deserved or was done to spread awareness. This plot line seemed important, but was over very quickly.
Overall, this would be a great book for middle grade or young adults as it really does give a empathetic view to kids that are struggling and to show them that they are not alone and other kids the feel the same way as they do.
Thank you to the author, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for an advanced copy to listen to and share my humble thoughts and opinions.
May 8, 2026
4.75
Hearing about the struggles Bryce goes through with his mom, losing his dad, and struggling with his grandfather’s illness hit home for me. I also endured trauma growing up, and I understand the urge to lash out or drown your feelings. I appreciate how this book shows how a hobby can transform a person and allow them to overcome adversity and become their best self. I know nearly nothing about skateboarding, but the story was still easy to follow nonetheless. The author’s note at the end that sheds some light on the origins of skateboarding was also an interesting addition.
The organic way Graves integrated indigenous culture, terminology, and experiences into the story was delightful. It was incredibly nostalgic and I felt like
I was there. I could smell the frybread, hear the drums, and feel the magic of powwow. The pipeline part of the story was also well done. It's a real issue that our community continues to fight against, and I think it was handled in an age-appropriate way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Heartdrum and Byron Graves for the free review copy via NetGalley.
Hearing about the struggles Bryce goes through with his mom, losing his dad, and struggling with his grandfather’s illness hit home for me. I also endured trauma growing up, and I understand the urge to lash out or drown your feelings. I appreciate how this book shows how a hobby can transform a person and allow them to overcome adversity and become their best self. I know nearly nothing about skateboarding, but the story was still easy to follow nonetheless. The author’s note at the end that sheds some light on the origins of skateboarding was also an interesting addition.
The organic way Graves integrated indigenous culture, terminology, and experiences into the story was delightful. It was incredibly nostalgic and I felt like
I was there. I could smell the frybread, hear the drums, and feel the magic of powwow. The pipeline part of the story was also well done. It's a real issue that our community continues to fight against, and I think it was handled in an age-appropriate way.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you to Heartdrum and Byron Graves for the free review copy via NetGalley.
June 2, 2026
Graves' sophomore book is as good as Rez Ball (which I was thrilled won the Morris Award!).
Bryce's father is dead, and he lives with his increasingly troubled mother and her horrible boyfriend, but after one fight too many they leave for his father's reservation. He ends up staying with his grandparents, in his father's former bedroom, and hanging with his long time friends on that rez... and starts learning how to skateboard. His father had been a great skateboarder, so Bryce is clearly following in Dad's footsteps. There are many spills and tricks and bruises and cuts and then improvement and the rez' contest.
Bryce is lucky in terms of both friends and family -- even though he's not feeling confident or good about life, there are people who truly care for him. His connection to them and to his tribe and traditions helps center him and gets him through was probably feels like one of the worst summers of his life.
There's a glossary of Ojibwe words, but what I wanted was more about the various tricks he's learning (strawberry lemonade? what IS that??).
Can't wait to see what's next from this author.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.
Bryce's father is dead, and he lives with his increasingly troubled mother and her horrible boyfriend, but after one fight too many they leave for his father's reservation. He ends up staying with his grandparents, in his father's former bedroom, and hanging with his long time friends on that rez... and starts learning how to skateboard. His father had been a great skateboarder, so Bryce is clearly following in Dad's footsteps. There are many spills and tricks and bruises and cuts and then improvement and the rez' contest.
Bryce is lucky in terms of both friends and family -- even though he's not feeling confident or good about life, there are people who truly care for him. His connection to them and to his tribe and traditions helps center him and gets him through was probably feels like one of the worst summers of his life.
There's a glossary of Ojibwe words, but what I wanted was more about the various tricks he's learning (strawberry lemonade? what IS that??).
Can't wait to see what's next from this author.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.
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