Heroes of the Water Monster

An unmissable companion to Healer of the Water Monster, which won the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award, this novel by Navajo author Brian Young tells the story of two contemporary young Navajo heroes—and one water monster—who must learn to work together to save their present world from the lasting hurts of their people's past.

Edward feels ready to move in with his dad's girlfriend and her son, Nathan. He might miss having his dad all to himself, but even if things in their new home are a little awkward, living with Nathan isn't so bad. And Nathan is glad to have found a new guardian for Dew, the young water monster who has been Nathan's responsibility for two years. Now that Nathan is starting to lose his childhood connection to the Holy Beings, Edward will be the one to take over as Dew's next guardian.

But Edward has a lot to learn about taking care of a water monster. And fast. Because Dew's big sister, the powerful Yitoo Bii'aanii, is coming up to Fourth World to instruct Dew after recovering in the Third World for 160 years. She suspects a monstrous and enormous Enemy from the Hero Twins stories has returned and is stealing water from all of the Navajo Nation.

In their search for the Modern Enemy, Nathan, Edward, Dew, and Yitoo must confront their past and their inner selves if they are to save the Fourth World from a devastating disaster.

A riveting, emotionally affecting adventure—and an American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book!

To succeed, they'll need to trust each other completely. But what happens when the past is more dangerous than any monster?

• Navajo Mythology: A thrilling adventure packed with Holy Beings, legendary monsters, and a quest drawn from the stories of the Hero Twins.
• Unlikely Stepbrothers: Two boys who are about to become stepbrothers must learn to work together when one becomes the guardian of an ancient water monster named Dew.
• Confronting Historical Trauma: A heartfelt and powerful story that respectfully explores the legacy of the Long Walk (Hwééldi) and its impact on the present.
• Friendship and Family: Perfect for middle grade readers who love stories about the power of friendship, family, and finding your place in a changing world.