Healer of the Water Monster: Brian Young

Brian Young
Paperback
JUVENILE FICTION/Indigenous / Teachings

Brian Young’s (Navajo) debut novel, inspired by Navajo beliefs, features a seemingly ordinary boy who must save the life of a Water Monster—and help his uncle suffering from addiction—by discovering his own bravery and boundless love. An outstanding debut from a promising young Navajo author, now in paperback!  When Nathan goes to visit his grandma, Nali, at her mobile home on the Navajo reservation, he knows he’s in for a summer with no running water and no electricity. That’s okay, though. 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 something extraordinary. A Holy Being from the Navajo Creation Story—a Water Monster—in need of help.

Together, Nathan and the Water Monster named Pond must figure out how to cure the mysterious illness that plagues Pond. With the help of other Navajo Holy Beings, Nathan is determined to save his new friend—and to help Uncle Jet heal from his own pain.