Healer of the Water Monster

Nathan, a science-loving Navajo boy, spends the summer with his grandmother (Nali) on the Navajo Nation. While trying to avoid his uncle's struggle with alcoholism, Nathan finds a dehydrated Water Monster in the desert. To save the creature, Nathan must travel to the Third World, seek help from the Holy Beings, and confront the Man-Coyote, a villain fueled by environmental destruction and greed. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book addresses Uncle Jet's alcoholism and its impact on the family with realistic but compassionate clarity. It also touches on the environmental degradation of indigenous lands (uranium mining). These are handled through a lens of Navajo spirituality and traditional healing, providing a hopeful, restorative resolution. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with Nathan's internal anxiety and feeling of cultural inadequacy. It builds into a high-stakes adventure that mirrors his internal growth. The ending is bittersweet but profoundly empowering, emphasizing healing over mere victory. IDEAL READER: A middle-schooler who feels like an outsider in their own community or who struggles with 'perfectionism' and anxiety. It’s perfect for a child who loves Rick Riordan's mythology-based adventures but wants something with more emotional depth and cultural specificity. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I don't know who I am,' or noticing the child's distress over a family member's substance abuse. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the depiction of Uncle Jet's withdrawal symptoms and the historical context of uranium mining on Navajo land. Reading the author's note together can provide valuable context on Diné (Navajo) culture. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers will focus on the 'monster' quest and the cool gadgets Nathan uses. Older readers will resonate with the complex family dynamics and the heavy responsibility of environmental guardianship. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many 'chosen one' narratives, Nathan's power comes from his capacity for care and his knowledge of science and tradition combined, rather than physical combat.