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!

Can two boys, a young water monster, and an ancient power work together to heal the past and save the future?

• Stepbrothers and Guardians: Edward and Nathan aren't just learning to be a family; they're learning to be protectors for Dew, a young water monster who needs their help to survive.
• Modern Navajo Mythology: Journey into the world of Diné legends, where Holy Beings are real, the Hero Twins are famous, and an ancient Enemy threatens the Navajo Nation's water supply today.
• A Powerful, Troubled Ally: When the mighty water monster Yitoo Bii'aanii returns after 160 years, her power is essential, but her anger over the past could be just as dangerous as the enemy they hunt.
• Adventure with Heart: This thrilling middle grade fantasy tackles big themes of cultural identity, historical trauma, and environmental responsibility with courage and hope.