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Healer Of The Water Monster #1
Healer of the Water Monster
American Indian Youth Literature Award 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 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.
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2021
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August 19, 2022
this is the best book i’ve ever read 😭
September 17, 2021
I am delighted to recommend Brian Young's Healer of the Water Monster. Below, I will share some of the reasons why I think you should have this book on your school library shelf, and in your classroom library, and in your home library. If there's a Little Free Library in your neighborhood, get one for it, too! And if you're on a road trip, get a copy of the audio version. It is terrific! To start, let's look at the book description:
Now, here are some of the reasons I highly recommend Healer of the Water Monster:
#DinéVoice
Brian Young is Diné (Navajo). Whether you're an adult or child--but especially if you are a teacher--I suggest you begin with the Author's Note that starts on page 352. People who have attended my workshops or lectures know that I am deeply committed to Native writers. When teachers use their books in the classroom, they can say something like "We're going to start reading Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young. Brian is Diné." That last sentence in my scenario is what I want you to look closely at! Specifically, think about the word "is" in "Brian is Diné." A three-word sentence, with a powerful two-letter word. Those two letters push against the thousands of times students have heard past tense references to Native people. It tells students that we are still here.
A teacher could then pull up the website for the Navajo Nation and say "Here is the website for the Navajo Nation." Of course, that's another use of present tense verbs but it also tells students that we use technology--that our nations have websites! I smiled as I read the early passages of Healer of the Water Monster when Nathan is trying to use his cell phone at his grandmother's home.
When we do workshops with teachers, we ask teachers to become familiar with present-day life of the tribal nation in a given book. With his Author's Note, you learn that the Navajo people and their homelands have been exploited by the uranium industry, and that the mine in Healer of the Water Monster is an actual mine. The area of that mine remains radioactive, today. Brian's note also talks about coal mining and its devastation to Navajo homelands.
Another dimension of Native life that Brian addresses is exploitation and misuse of Native stories. Some stories, he writes, are told during specific times. There are some beings within his own nation's spirituality that "cannot be replicated in drawings, writings, or films. Merely saying the names of certain Holy Beings outside of their ceremonial circumstance could diminish their healing abilities." He has more to say about that. It is a tremendous opportunity for teachers to think about respect of spiritualities different from their own. He knows of what he writes! That is what a tribally-specific voice can do that another one cannot.
Indigenous Language
In spite of efforts to destroy who we are, our Native languages have persisted. There are revitalization efforts, everywhere, with elders leading the way in teaching our languages to our tribal members. When you read this book, you'll see Nathan's grandmother is teaching him their language. In real life and in this book, language revitalization is so exciting! In Healer of the Water Monster, each chapter opens with the Diné word for the number of the chapter.
I love seeing Young using his language in that way! His book has thirty-three chapters. Each one opens with the Diné word on top and the English one beneath it. As you read through the book you'll see many Navajo words. Notice: none of them are in italics! Recently, the use of italics for non-English words is decreasing. That's a plus for all of us (to understand why this is an important shift in publishing, make time to watch Daniel Jose Older's video, Why We Don't Use Italics).
In the author's note for Healer of the Water Monster there's an excellent note about Young's thought process regarding a glossary of the words he uses in the book. It prompts readers everywhere to think about seemingly innocuous things, like glossaries.
Young's use of Diné for chapter headings is terrific! I can see Diné language teachers--especially ones who have Navajo children in their classrooms--using this book to demonstrate that their language matters, and then of course, assigning the book to their students because the story itself is so good!
The story
Calling Young's story "soooo good", Dr. Jennifer Denetdale (she's Navajo, too, and a professor at the University of New Mexico) went on to say:
She also said:
I often say that reviews by someone who is of the same tribal nation a book is about are the ones that matter, most of all. They know their tribal nation and its culture and history in ways that others won't know it. Dr. Denetdale's comment was on June 6, 2021 on her Facebook page (I am sharing it with her permission).
I'll be thinking about what she said the next time I read Healer of the Water Monster. In what ways is the non-Indian world peripheral to the story Young has created? I definitely felt the radiance of a world that has living beings that some are not aware of... and I liked that radiance, very much!
There are small passages that sparkle, too. I noticed, for example, the exchange between Nathan and a water monster who asked Nathan to tell her about her river (p. 308):
Across the country, Native peoples have our own names for rivers and mountains and, well, the land. In that relatively small way, Brian Young reminds us that we are the original peoples of these lands. To some readers, this may pass unnoticed, but to others, they'll feel an immense pride as they read passages like that one.
Closing Thoughts
I'm pleased that Healer of the Water Monster received starred reviews from mainstream review journals! Those stars mean librarians will purchase the books for their libraries. When you book talk it, consider drawing attention to the cover art. I am currently researching and writing a "Milestones" post that notes the first this-or-that in books by Native writers. I think this is the first book for middle grade readers that is written by a Navajo writer and illustrated by a Navajo artist. That artist is Shonto Begay. If you don't already do so, follow him on Facebook. There, he shares art from time to time. I am especially blown away by his Etch a Sketch art.
Like I said earlier, I highly recommend Brian Young's book. Ask for it at your local library and bookstore. Visibility is of utmost importance, and books like this one deserve warm spotlights, everywhere.
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.
Now, here are some of the reasons I highly recommend Healer of the Water Monster:
#DinéVoice
Brian Young is Diné (Navajo). Whether you're an adult or child--but especially if you are a teacher--I suggest you begin with the Author's Note that starts on page 352. People who have attended my workshops or lectures know that I am deeply committed to Native writers. When teachers use their books in the classroom, they can say something like "We're going to start reading Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young. Brian is Diné." That last sentence in my scenario is what I want you to look closely at! Specifically, think about the word "is" in "Brian is Diné." A three-word sentence, with a powerful two-letter word. Those two letters push against the thousands of times students have heard past tense references to Native people. It tells students that we are still here.
A teacher could then pull up the website for the Navajo Nation and say "Here is the website for the Navajo Nation." Of course, that's another use of present tense verbs but it also tells students that we use technology--that our nations have websites! I smiled as I read the early passages of Healer of the Water Monster when Nathan is trying to use his cell phone at his grandmother's home.
When we do workshops with teachers, we ask teachers to become familiar with present-day life of the tribal nation in a given book. With his Author's Note, you learn that the Navajo people and their homelands have been exploited by the uranium industry, and that the mine in Healer of the Water Monster is an actual mine. The area of that mine remains radioactive, today. Brian's note also talks about coal mining and its devastation to Navajo homelands.
Another dimension of Native life that Brian addresses is exploitation and misuse of Native stories. Some stories, he writes, are told during specific times. There are some beings within his own nation's spirituality that "cannot be replicated in drawings, writings, or films. Merely saying the names of certain Holy Beings outside of their ceremonial circumstance could diminish their healing abilities." He has more to say about that. It is a tremendous opportunity for teachers to think about respect of spiritualities different from their own. He knows of what he writes! That is what a tribally-specific voice can do that another one cannot.
Indigenous Language
In spite of efforts to destroy who we are, our Native languages have persisted. There are revitalization efforts, everywhere, with elders leading the way in teaching our languages to our tribal members. When you read this book, you'll see Nathan's grandmother is teaching him their language. In real life and in this book, language revitalization is so exciting! In Healer of the Water Monster, each chapter opens with the Diné word for the number of the chapter.
I love seeing Young using his language in that way! His book has thirty-three chapters. Each one opens with the Diné word on top and the English one beneath it. As you read through the book you'll see many Navajo words. Notice: none of them are in italics! Recently, the use of italics for non-English words is decreasing. That's a plus for all of us (to understand why this is an important shift in publishing, make time to watch Daniel Jose Older's video, Why We Don't Use Italics).
In the author's note for Healer of the Water Monster there's an excellent note about Young's thought process regarding a glossary of the words he uses in the book. It prompts readers everywhere to think about seemingly innocuous things, like glossaries.
Young's use of Diné for chapter headings is terrific! I can see Diné language teachers--especially ones who have Navajo children in their classrooms--using this book to demonstrate that their language matters, and then of course, assigning the book to their students because the story itself is so good!
The story
Calling Young's story "soooo good", Dr. Jennifer Denetdale (she's Navajo, too, and a professor at the University of New Mexico) went on to say:
It dawns on me that a marker of Indigenous fiction is how a writer centers the Indigenous/Diné world where the non-Indian worlds are peripheral and only appear at the edges, though the characters must grapple with what colonialism brings.
She also said:
This book celebrates a Diné sensibility of a world radiant with living beings that most of us are not aware.
I often say that reviews by someone who is of the same tribal nation a book is about are the ones that matter, most of all. They know their tribal nation and its culture and history in ways that others won't know it. Dr. Denetdale's comment was on June 6, 2021 on her Facebook page (I am sharing it with her permission).
I'll be thinking about what she said the next time I read Healer of the Water Monster. In what ways is the non-Indian world peripheral to the story Young has created? I definitely felt the radiance of a world that has living beings that some are not aware of... and I liked that radiance, very much!
There are small passages that sparkle, too. I noticed, for example, the exchange between Nathan and a water monster who asked Nathan to tell her about her river (p. 308):
"River?" Nathan was confused. There were so many rivers.
"You might know it by the name the pale people forced upon it. The San Juan River," the water monster said. "But its original name, my name, is Yitoo Bi'aanii."
Across the country, Native peoples have our own names for rivers and mountains and, well, the land. In that relatively small way, Brian Young reminds us that we are the original peoples of these lands. To some readers, this may pass unnoticed, but to others, they'll feel an immense pride as they read passages like that one.
Closing Thoughts
I'm pleased that Healer of the Water Monster received starred reviews from mainstream review journals! Those stars mean librarians will purchase the books for their libraries. When you book talk it, consider drawing attention to the cover art. I am currently researching and writing a "Milestones" post that notes the first this-or-that in books by Native writers. I think this is the first book for middle grade readers that is written by a Navajo writer and illustrated by a Navajo artist. That artist is Shonto Begay. If you don't already do so, follow him on Facebook. There, he shares art from time to time. I am especially blown away by his Etch a Sketch art.
Like I said earlier, I highly recommend Brian Young's book. Ask for it at your local library and bookstore. Visibility is of utmost importance, and books like this one deserve warm spotlights, everywhere.
September 5, 2021
I'm blown away! This was such a gorgeous middle-grade story told with so much love and tenderness. Healer of the Water Monster will definitely stay with me forever.
- Follows Nathan, a Navajo boy who stays with his Nani (grandmother) for the summer while his dad goes to Vegas with his new girlfriend and his mum is documenting pipeline protests. When Nathan meets a Water Monster, a Holy Being, he seeks Nathan's help... and it'll be up to Nathan to save his new friend.
- I loved that the story explores friendship, even with the most unlikeliest of beings, and bravery. There's also this heartfelt subplot about Nathan's uncle who is a war veteran who has PTSD, and it explores the hard road of recovery.
- I loved how Navajo culture was interwoven seamlessly and effortlessly - ranging Navajo science and agriculture to meeting the beings of Navajo mythology - immersing us into Nathan and his Nani's world.
- Gosh, there were so many funny moments too! Nathan receives a pendant that allows him to speak to animals and Holy Beings, and there's a hilarious scene when Nathan helps a family of spiders!
- Again, I think this book is told with just so much love. Reading this story felt like such a warm and comforting experience, even when it tackles some challenging stuff.
Content warning: (adult) alcohol consumption, depressive episode, suicidal ideation (not explicit, implied)
- Follows Nathan, a Navajo boy who stays with his Nani (grandmother) for the summer while his dad goes to Vegas with his new girlfriend and his mum is documenting pipeline protests. When Nathan meets a Water Monster, a Holy Being, he seeks Nathan's help... and it'll be up to Nathan to save his new friend.
- I loved that the story explores friendship, even with the most unlikeliest of beings, and bravery. There's also this heartfelt subplot about Nathan's uncle who is a war veteran who has PTSD, and it explores the hard road of recovery.
- I loved how Navajo culture was interwoven seamlessly and effortlessly - ranging Navajo science and agriculture to meeting the beings of Navajo mythology - immersing us into Nathan and his Nani's world.
- Gosh, there were so many funny moments too! Nathan receives a pendant that allows him to speak to animals and Holy Beings, and there's a hilarious scene when Nathan helps a family of spiders!
- Again, I think this book is told with just so much love. Reading this story felt like such a warm and comforting experience, even when it tackles some challenging stuff.
Content warning: (adult) alcohol consumption, depressive episode, suicidal ideation (not explicit, implied)
March 14, 2023
What a fantastic book! Heads up that it does deal with some pretty intense issues, but I also think it's so valuable to have books like this because there are plenty of kids facing these things in their lives. Also the inclusion of Navajo language and culture is lovely- highly recommend reading the author's note at the end which discusses the care taken in what was put to page and how.
Healer of the Water Monster follows an 11-year old Navajo boy staying with his grandma for the summer. Strange occurrences with a science project lead him to meeting a Holy Being in need of help. The water monster of the pond is dying of radiation poisoning from a uranium mine and Nathan is the only one who can help to heal them.
Nathan is dealing with a lot- his parents are divorced and his dad has a new girlfriend. His uncle is a veteran with PTSD who is drinking a lot and Nathan experiences what it's like for his uncle to have this kind of depression and suicidal ideation (at the level of thinking it would be okay to die, not in terms of any specifics). He also faces fatphobia from people around him, and internalized. (I do wish this was challenged in a more direct way) And there are also issues with poverty and that being taken advantage of.
It's not a light book, but I think it's very well-executed and has some lovely moments. One thing I really like is that it supports a blend of traditional ceremonies alongside modern medication and therapy for healing with the uncle. This recognizes the value in that tradition, but also that it isn't enough on its own. Overall, a really fantastic book and I would read more from this author!
Healer of the Water Monster follows an 11-year old Navajo boy staying with his grandma for the summer. Strange occurrences with a science project lead him to meeting a Holy Being in need of help. The water monster of the pond is dying of radiation poisoning from a uranium mine and Nathan is the only one who can help to heal them.
Nathan is dealing with a lot- his parents are divorced and his dad has a new girlfriend. His uncle is a veteran with PTSD who is drinking a lot and Nathan experiences what it's like for his uncle to have this kind of depression and suicidal ideation (at the level of thinking it would be okay to die, not in terms of any specifics). He also faces fatphobia from people around him, and internalized. (I do wish this was challenged in a more direct way) And there are also issues with poverty and that being taken advantage of.
It's not a light book, but I think it's very well-executed and has some lovely moments. One thing I really like is that it supports a blend of traditional ceremonies alongside modern medication and therapy for healing with the uncle. This recognizes the value in that tradition, but also that it isn't enough on its own. Overall, a really fantastic book and I would read more from this author!
October 4, 2022
Without a doubt: 5/5 full glowing, shiny stars.
What an absolute hidden treasure this was! I’m not sure if I can tag another user in my review, but thank you to Bowties&Books (check out her BookTube channel: she’s great!) for introducing me to this book through her recommendation.
What an absolute hidden treasure this was! I’m not sure if I can tag another user in my review, but thank you to Bowties&Books (check out her BookTube channel: she’s great!) for introducing me to this book through her recommendation.
May 25, 2021
Another great novel from the new Heartdrum imprint! This one almost felt like part of the Rick Riordan Presents group as well, because of Nathan's quest for the Navajo gods. (It's not.) Nathan is upset with his parents, who seem to be valuing other things more than him. He decides to spend his summer with his grandmother in the desert, in her mobile home without electricity or running water. He frames it around conducting an experiment to see which fares better, authentic native corn seeds or modern GMO corn seeds. When he comes across an assistant to the Holy Beings stealing his traditional seeds, he is thrust into the world of Holy Beings that he had only heard about in his grandmother's stories. Now it falls upon him to save the Water Monster and bring the desert out of the great drought. Can he be brave enough to journey to the Third World and ask Mother Water Monster for help? Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
October 26, 2023
I read this book for my indigenous water studies class. I really enjoyed how it was written because I was super engaged and invested in the story, but it was easy to read and understand. I thought it broadened my understanding of indigenous culture in an accessible way.
February 1, 2021
Nathan insists on spending his summer with his grandmother at her summer mobile home, even if it means two months without electricity or running water-- anything to not spend time with his dad's new girlfriend. There's not much to do until he notices a strange horned toad stealing corn seeds from his new garden. What sort of horned toad walks on two legs donning turquoise jewelry? What Nathan discovers is more than he could have ever expected-- a real water monster, whose illness has prevented rainfall for thirty years. It's up to Nathan to venture to the Third World for a cure, with assistance from the Holy Beings, who in turn promise to help heal his Uncle Jet. Young has crafted a beautiful, heartfelt story of family and healing based upon Navajo teachings. Healer of the Water Monster is a stunning and powerful debut novel!
December 1, 2022
Audiobook. This was a book designed for kids that had some VERY adult and generally heavy themes. Suicide, alcoholism, divorce, death, emotional abuse, and it was a lot. I read it because my 4th grader was assigned to read it and I lived in the area the book takes place in so I thought it would be fun, boy was I wrong. It is a story that the language and style was for kids, but the topics were IMO were far too weighty. I generally read to learn or be entertained. Since there are enough problems out there in the world already, I don’t need to be filling my mind with the problems of fictional characters. This book should have been for an older audience, but the style is for kids so I’m not sure any age group would like it. The story was interesting to read and all his interactions with the Navajo spiritual beings were great. However having lived near there, I can confirm a lot of the sad things that happen in the book occur far to often. I didn’t like how at the end, all his efforts were in vain…
July 1, 2022
I loved this story about Nathan, a young Navajo, who is spending the summer with his grandma on an Indian reservation . Shortly after arriving, he begins to hear and see Holy Beings. With their help, he might be able to save Pond, one of the Holy Beings and Jet, his uncle .
Some might call this fantasy, but I saw it more as a realistic fiction story that blends religion and spirituality. IMO, Nathan's abilities to communicate with the Holy Beings was a blessing.
Some might call this fantasy, but I saw it more as a realistic fiction story that blends religion and spirituality. IMO, Nathan's abilities to communicate with the Holy Beings was a blessing.
March 13, 2022
This is an immersive story of a Navajo boy who spends the summer with his Grandmother on the Navajo reservation. This story intertwines the life of a modern day kid with a Navajo Creation story, sending Nathan on an exciting adventure through his heritage in order to save the Water Monster and heal modern day wounds.
Honestly I cannot believe this is a debut. The story is so immersive. He seamlessly and flawlessly inserts the Navajo language and ancestral beliefs into a modern timeline. This was done so beautifully. And the audio narration was stellar.
This book needs to be in every 3rd - 5th grade classroom library. Absolutely phenomenal.
Trigger Warnings: Alcoholism, Depression, PTSD, Suicidal Ideation
Honestly I cannot believe this is a debut. The story is so immersive. He seamlessly and flawlessly inserts the Navajo language and ancestral beliefs into a modern timeline. This was done so beautifully. And the audio narration was stellar.
This book needs to be in every 3rd - 5th grade classroom library. Absolutely phenomenal.
Trigger Warnings: Alcoholism, Depression, PTSD, Suicidal Ideation
December 4, 2021
I don't often cry while reading, but this book made me weep. Beautifully and lovingly told, it is funny, thoughtful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. At its surface a quest story, Healer of the Water Monster accessibly introduces painful topics including colonialism, poverty, climate change, PTSD, alcoholism, divorce... yet it does so with such skill that I found myself absorbing its meaning as I eagerly finished each new chapter. Our hero Nathan is Navajo boy given the responsibility of saving two characters: his friend Pond, a water monster with the power to heal a drought-stricken land, and his uncle Jet, a former soldier who is the victim of a dark spirit. Along the way we meet wonderfully crafted characters, my favorites being his grandmother, the spiders who live in his woodpile, and a neighborly healer. So many children will find something to relate to in this story. It has the power to ease burdens and soothe wounds.
May 16, 2022
I am totally blown away by this book! I am still wiping away the tears from reading this story. It’s a tender story of a family dealing with mental health issues, combined with the beautiful creative story of the holy beings. As a Diné woman in my 40s, I would’ve loved to have had this book available to me when I was a young reader looking for myself in the books in the library. I’m glad I can share this story with my family and young relatives.
March 14, 2023
Overall rating: 4 stars
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Trigger warnings: Alcoholism, addiction, mental illness (depression, PTSD), suicidal ideation, death (including animal death), grief, references to bullying, fatphobia
Style/writing: 4 stars
Themes: 4.5 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Trigger warnings: Alcoholism, addiction, mental illness (depression, PTSD), suicidal ideation, death (including animal death), grief, references to bullying, fatphobia
December 4, 2022
Oh, this was fantastic. I already liked it near the beginning, but by the end, with how the character development and worldbuilding and themes came together, I really really loved it.
I love the focus on Navajo religion and culture, there were some beautiful and poignant moments as well as humor, and the themes and ideas are strong without being overexplained - Young trusts his audience the perfect amount.
And a special mention to Shaun Taylor-Corbett as the narrator! it was such a treat to listen to the Navajo words by a narrator who clearly knows what he's doing, and I love the character voices he did so much. Truly one of my favorite narrations, and y'all know I'm a hard sell on audiobooks!
Also, if you're someone who sometimes skips the author's note, I strongly recommend not skipping this one!
CW: Animal death, alcoholism, PTSD, fatphobia
I love the focus on Navajo religion and culture, there were some beautiful and poignant moments as well as humor, and the themes and ideas are strong without being overexplained - Young trusts his audience the perfect amount.
And a special mention to Shaun Taylor-Corbett as the narrator! it was such a treat to listen to the Navajo words by a narrator who clearly knows what he's doing, and I love the character voices he did so much. Truly one of my favorite narrations, and y'all know I'm a hard sell on audiobooks!
Also, if you're someone who sometimes skips the author's note, I strongly recommend not skipping this one!
CW: Animal death, alcoholism, PTSD, fatphobia
December 23, 2022
Very good book to jump into if you enjoy fantasy
September 24, 2021
When Nathan goes to spend his summer with his grandma on the Navajo reservation, he doesn't expect to meet a Holy Being from the stories he's heard all his life. He certainly doesn't think he'll be sent on an epic quest to save one.
October 22, 2021
Far out!!! I absolutely adored this book. It had everything, and in perfect balance. Nathan was at the exact right spot between relatable and aspirational. I loved his relationship with Nali, and am so grateful to Brian Young for writing an absolutely radical relationship between Nathan and his uncle Jet. It blew my mind, first of all that Jet's PTSD and alcoholism was treated with such compassion. Jet did some things that would make him the villain in a lot of books, but this book never let the reader see Jet as the monster. I was also amazed to see the discussion about traditional healing and ceremonies being complementary to medical establishment help. I'm so happy that kids reading this will get a story that validates tradition without negating some of the ways the medical establishment can still be necessary, and that they will be given a much more compassionate framework for viewing their loved ones who are struggling and acting out. So many kids need all of those special touches Young gave this story.
And what a story! An epic quest that will garner lots of comparisons to Rick Riordan and RR Presents, and while lots of fans of fantasy and magic will be just as into this story, to me it feels a bit off calling it magic. It feels closer than that. I think Young walked a really delicate line with Diné traditions and spirituality, showing you can be respectful and still tell a real banger of a story. I really appreciated all the notes in the back!
Highly highly recommended to kids who like epic quest stories.
And what a story! An epic quest that will garner lots of comparisons to Rick Riordan and RR Presents, and while lots of fans of fantasy and magic will be just as into this story, to me it feels a bit off calling it magic. It feels closer than that. I think Young walked a really delicate line with Diné traditions and spirituality, showing you can be respectful and still tell a real banger of a story. I really appreciated all the notes in the back!
Highly highly recommended to kids who like epic quest stories.
June 1, 2021
Despite this being a first novel, I think Young already has a great handle on balancing lightheartedness with more serious, tense moments and topics. This mix of fun and tension, fantasy and reality, is key to winning a young reader's heart. More than anything, though, I found myself drawn to Nathan's unrepentant tenderness. He's not without resentment and flaws, but the fact that he chooses forgiveness over and over, and that makes him read as a genuinely heroic character.
July 20, 2021
well that was fantastic
Read
November 29, 2021Even better than a rick riordan book, IMO.
April 12, 2022
"'Does that always happen to your footprints?' Nathan asked.
'Yes,' said the water monster. 'The Holy Being known as Wind gives each of us water monsters a weave of wind. We then tie it to our ankles so that we can hide our footprints from beings that would wish harm upon us. More often than not, humans are the harmers.'"
It's no secret I am a huge fan of Project LIT and their book club selections. One of my favorite parts of being involved with the Project LIT community is seeing what books are selected each year to add to the collection. This past fall, there was a new selection of books added to the list. This was one of the picks. I am certain that without the promotion of Project LIT, I never would have heard of this book or gotten to experience this beautiful story. I love that Project LIT focuses on voices that aren't as mainstream in literature, like the voices of indigenous people. I have learned so much from previous Project LIT book selections like Elatsoe, I Can Make This Promise, The Brave, Firekeeper's Daughter, and The Marrow Thieves. This book only added to my knowledge and experience of reading indigenous stories and I am so glad literature like this is being published.
Healer of the Water Monster is a story from the Navajo nation. Water Monster, Spider, Wind, Darkness, First Turkey, and Seed Collector are all Navajo Holy Beings. Nathan discovers all of these beings one night when he is visiting his grandmother on the Navajo Reservation. There is no cell phone service here and while Nathan is excited to conduct his science experiment about which type of corn will grow the best, he also misses talking to his friends and playing games that require the internet. After Nathan discovers the local Water Monster, Pond, is sick and has been getting sicker and sicker in the last 30 years, Nathan realizes he is the only one that can travel to the Third World to try and help Pond get better. While Nathan is preparing for this trip, his Uncle Jet comes to stay with Nathan's grandma. Jet is struggling with severe depression and alcoholism. It is both sad and heartbreaking to see Jet's struggles through Nathan's eyes, a child on the cusp of being a teenager.
I loved reading this story and gaining some insight in the Navajo nation and what their Holy Beings are like. I hesitate to call the characters of Water Monster, Darkness, and Wind (for example) fairytale creatures, but it is the best way I know to relate the Navajo story to our European stories. I learned a lot about the different Holy Beings as well as how to communicate both with the beings and with other Navajo community members. I loved the added Navajo vocabulary sprinkled in throughout the book, especially hearing each chapter number said in Navajo before it was spoken in English. I was particularly struck by this passage in the author's note:
"Non-Navajo creators who wish to use the Navajo culture in their stories, please don't. Just because I draw upon my culture in this context in no way gives you permission to use my people's culture for your creative expression. My culture has been decimated by relocation, by boarding schools, by Bible-based religions. My generation is putting the pieces of our culture together. The Navajo culture isn't only my culture. These aren't only my Holy Beings. The culture and Holy Beings depicted belong to a nation of people. It would be disrespectful to my people and the Holy Beings (not to mention selfish and stingy) if I implied that I am the final authority on Navajo culture and that all its contents belong to me because of that authority."
I highly recommend this book for upper elementary and middle grade readers who wish to read more about the culture and story from this one Navajo voice. I look forward to reading more stories from writers of the Navajo nation.
TW: alcoholism, addiction, mental health, suicidal thoughts, death, grief, vomit
'Yes,' said the water monster. 'The Holy Being known as Wind gives each of us water monsters a weave of wind. We then tie it to our ankles so that we can hide our footprints from beings that would wish harm upon us. More often than not, humans are the harmers.'"
It's no secret I am a huge fan of Project LIT and their book club selections. One of my favorite parts of being involved with the Project LIT community is seeing what books are selected each year to add to the collection. This past fall, there was a new selection of books added to the list. This was one of the picks. I am certain that without the promotion of Project LIT, I never would have heard of this book or gotten to experience this beautiful story. I love that Project LIT focuses on voices that aren't as mainstream in literature, like the voices of indigenous people. I have learned so much from previous Project LIT book selections like Elatsoe, I Can Make This Promise, The Brave, Firekeeper's Daughter, and The Marrow Thieves. This book only added to my knowledge and experience of reading indigenous stories and I am so glad literature like this is being published.
Healer of the Water Monster is a story from the Navajo nation. Water Monster, Spider, Wind, Darkness, First Turkey, and Seed Collector are all Navajo Holy Beings. Nathan discovers all of these beings one night when he is visiting his grandmother on the Navajo Reservation. There is no cell phone service here and while Nathan is excited to conduct his science experiment about which type of corn will grow the best, he also misses talking to his friends and playing games that require the internet. After Nathan discovers the local Water Monster, Pond, is sick and has been getting sicker and sicker in the last 30 years, Nathan realizes he is the only one that can travel to the Third World to try and help Pond get better. While Nathan is preparing for this trip, his Uncle Jet comes to stay with Nathan's grandma. Jet is struggling with severe depression and alcoholism. It is both sad and heartbreaking to see Jet's struggles through Nathan's eyes, a child on the cusp of being a teenager.
I loved reading this story and gaining some insight in the Navajo nation and what their Holy Beings are like. I hesitate to call the characters of Water Monster, Darkness, and Wind (for example) fairytale creatures, but it is the best way I know to relate the Navajo story to our European stories. I learned a lot about the different Holy Beings as well as how to communicate both with the beings and with other Navajo community members. I loved the added Navajo vocabulary sprinkled in throughout the book, especially hearing each chapter number said in Navajo before it was spoken in English. I was particularly struck by this passage in the author's note:
"Non-Navajo creators who wish to use the Navajo culture in their stories, please don't. Just because I draw upon my culture in this context in no way gives you permission to use my people's culture for your creative expression. My culture has been decimated by relocation, by boarding schools, by Bible-based religions. My generation is putting the pieces of our culture together. The Navajo culture isn't only my culture. These aren't only my Holy Beings. The culture and Holy Beings depicted belong to a nation of people. It would be disrespectful to my people and the Holy Beings (not to mention selfish and stingy) if I implied that I am the final authority on Navajo culture and that all its contents belong to me because of that authority."
I highly recommend this book for upper elementary and middle grade readers who wish to read more about the culture and story from this one Navajo voice. I look forward to reading more stories from writers of the Navajo nation.
TW: alcoholism, addiction, mental health, suicidal thoughts, death, grief, vomit
August 16, 2024
Actually a 4.5, I haven’t rounded it up. I must confess, I usually read middle grade in the hopes of something lighter or cute (although there have been exceptions). I did not expect to dive headfirst into a book that’s emotional and beautiful enough to still be on my mind not too long after finishing it. I will try not to spoil anything in my review, though!
I would like to say upfront that I think Brian’s background in filmmaking and screenwriting is obvious in the writing style. Not only does he have a good grasp of the story’s structure and characters(which is crucial for a debut), but he’s very visual in his descriptions of places and actions. That was a treat to read.
I also felt the subject matter of mental illness and addiction was handled carefully. I liked the nuanced way the family dynamics of Jet, Nathan and Nali were depicted, even if Nathan couldn’t grasp everything because he’s just a kid. There’s also a particular story device(that I won’t spoil) that ends up working as a way to place Nathan directly into the kind of mindset Jet has, which was difficult to read about but places a focus on sympathy and finding help that isn’t granted very often in the stories of addicts. (And on the topic of Jet getting help, I appreciated that although Nali had a push to heal him through ceremony, there was just as much emphasis on him getting actual therapy in addition to that.)
There’s slightly less fantasy than I expected—while the creatures appear throughout, Nathan’s plot lines with the Holy Beings and his Nali don’t overlap until the end, so the magical elements feel a bit more like a backdrop. But I still really liked how Brian Young found a balance between integrating the original mythos of the beings he depicted, and creating his own kind of story around them. (He talked about that in his author’s note, and I found that interesting.) The characters themselves were also memorable. (For example, I didn’t expect to like a spider, but here we are.) Of course, though, Pond was my favorite of the creatures, mostly for the fact that he was adorable. eughuhhhh…
Pond and the other Water Monsters were a creative way to incorporate environmental issues into a kids book, and although that took a backseat to all the other story elements in this one, I’m looking forward to seeing how that’s handled as a central part of the sequel. (I assume it’s going to be, anyhow, because of the author’s note.)
My only other qualms are that the pacing was a bit slow in the first half, and that the number of plot points felt sometimes overwhelming. But I was so excited to find that there was a sequel! I loved a lot about this. I’d say “enjoyed” but it’s actually quite sad so
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pre-review:
ouch
I would like to say upfront that I think Brian’s background in filmmaking and screenwriting is obvious in the writing style. Not only does he have a good grasp of the story’s structure and characters(which is crucial for a debut), but he’s very visual in his descriptions of places and actions. That was a treat to read.
I also felt the subject matter of mental illness and addiction was handled carefully. I liked the nuanced way the family dynamics of Jet, Nathan and Nali were depicted, even if Nathan couldn’t grasp everything because he’s just a kid. There’s also a particular story device(that I won’t spoil) that ends up working as a way to place Nathan directly into the kind of mindset Jet has, which was difficult to read about but places a focus on sympathy and finding help that isn’t granted very often in the stories of addicts. (And on the topic of Jet getting help, I appreciated that although Nali had a push to heal him through ceremony, there was just as much emphasis on him getting actual therapy in addition to that.)
There’s slightly less fantasy than I expected—while the creatures appear throughout, Nathan’s plot lines with the Holy Beings and his Nali don’t overlap until the end, so the magical elements feel a bit more like a backdrop. But I still really liked how Brian Young found a balance between integrating the original mythos of the beings he depicted, and creating his own kind of story around them. (He talked about that in his author’s note, and I found that interesting.) The characters themselves were also memorable. (For example, I didn’t expect to like a spider, but here we are.) Of course, though, Pond was my favorite of the creatures, mostly for the fact that he was adorable. eughuhhhh…
Pond and the other Water Monsters were a creative way to incorporate environmental issues into a kids book, and although that took a backseat to all the other story elements in this one, I’m looking forward to seeing how that’s handled as a central part of the sequel. (I assume it’s going to be, anyhow, because of the author’s note.)
My only other qualms are that the pacing was a bit slow in the first half, and that the number of plot points felt sometimes overwhelming. But I was so excited to find that there was a sequel! I loved a lot about this. I’d say “enjoyed” but it’s actually quite sad so
*********
pre-review:
ouch
January 6, 2022
When Nathan decides to spend the summer with his grandmother at her mobile summer home rather than with his father and his father’s new girlfriend Nathan knows he’s going to be in for a boring summer. Still he’s excited to spend time with his Grandmother and his Uncle Jet. One night when Nathan gets lost in the nearby desert he finds something extraordinary; A Holy Being from the Navajo Creation Story specifically a Water Monster in need of help. But healing a Holy Being isn’t as simple as getting medicine from the doctor he must journey to the Fourth World, face challenges by other Holy Beings, and learn ancient songs and brave talking to the Water Monster’s Mom. All while helping his Uncle Jet with his problems and hiding his adventure from the adults who wouldn’t understand.
It took me a while to get into the story partly because I don't have an understanding of the Navajo language which appears quite often and I feel like it stuttered my reading brain. And partly because it takes a bit of time to get into the story of the Water Monster. I did enjoy it but I can see a middle grade reader enjoying it more. A good recommendation for someone who likes mythology and adventure.
It took me a while to get into the story partly because I don't have an understanding of the Navajo language which appears quite often and I feel like it stuttered my reading brain. And partly because it takes a bit of time to get into the story of the Water Monster. I did enjoy it but I can see a middle grade reader enjoying it more. A good recommendation for someone who likes mythology and adventure.
December 31, 2023
3.5 stars. This was the 7th grade book club pick for Native American Heritage Month and the kids that read it all said they really liked it. I thought it was pretty slow and wasn’t sure if they were going to like that but it wasn’t a problem. What I thought this book did really well was discussing real problems like depression and alcoholism in a middle grade way that showed some of the best understanding of how it feels and made it easy to discuss. Healer of the Water Monster also incorporated a lot of Navajo phrases that I initially looked up in the glossary and then just skipped over. But certain words repeat a lot so you kind of get where you can recognize it. It also has a good blend of mythology and tradition, without it feeling like an info dump. Overall, one of the best middle grade books I’ve read so far for Native American Heritage Month. It’s really hard to find appropriate middle grade books with Indigenous characters.
April 23, 2022
Nathan is spending the summer with his Navajo grandmother working on a science experiment comparing traditional corn to modern corn. When his traditional corn seeds start disappearing, he discovers they are being stolen, he stumbles into a quest to try to save a water monster who is being poisoned and bring rain back to the drought ridden valley.
NC MBOB 2022-2023 selection.
I loved this one. It's actually published by the Heartdrum Imprint which is Native American authors. It was a great celebration of Navajo culture and heritage. This is an absolutely beautiful book and touches on so many different issues- loss of Native American heritage, the value of family, PTSD, the impact humans have on our environment. Highly recommend. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
NC MBOB 2022-2023 selection.
I loved this one. It's actually published by the Heartdrum Imprint which is Native American authors. It was a great celebration of Navajo culture and heritage. This is an absolutely beautiful book and touches on so many different issues- loss of Native American heritage, the value of family, PTSD, the impact humans have on our environment. Highly recommend. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.
September 7, 2022
Fans of folklore and mythology will devour this middle grade novel about a Navajo youth's quest to heal a sick friend and help his ailing uncle. Nathan's multi-world adventure involves horned toads, dragons, spiders, lantern fish, and more. Will Nathan be able to heal the Water Monster before it's too late? This book not only is a fun story, but it brings real issues like PTSD, depression, water pollution, and environmental impacts to an accessible format for middle grade readers. A glossary at the back of the book can be used to aid in reading Navajo words found throughout, but their meanings are usually pretty clear from the context. I would recommend this book to readers in grades 4 and up.
November 23, 2022
This book was SO good. One of the best middle grades I've read this year.
I went into it expecting to hear some Navajo oral storytelling, to witness some traditions, to join Nathan in his mission to save a water monster. And I got all those things, absolutely, but HEALER OF THE WATER MONSTER also deals with military PTSD, alcoholism, suicidal ideation, depression, divorce, and healing - both of the spiritual kind and the medical.
Truly a gem of a book, and one I won't forget for a long time. Brian Young is a great storyteller and so generous in sharing his culture with us. I will 100% be picking up the sequel next May.
I went into it expecting to hear some Navajo oral storytelling, to witness some traditions, to join Nathan in his mission to save a water monster. And I got all those things, absolutely, but HEALER OF THE WATER MONSTER also deals with military PTSD, alcoholism, suicidal ideation, depression, divorce, and healing - both of the spiritual kind and the medical.
Truly a gem of a book, and one I won't forget for a long time. Brian Young is a great storyteller and so generous in sharing his culture with us. I will 100% be picking up the sequel next May.
March 21, 2022
The book took a while to get going in my opinion but once the quest was explained and begun it picked up. I felt like I needed more explanation of the navajo beliefs in the the four worlds to truly understand the story's culture significance. I liked how it also contained a coming of age story as well as contemperary issues facing many Native Americans today. I liked how the native language was included but didn't realize that there was a glossary until I finished the novel.
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