Healer of the Water Monster

Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young

Discover the award-winning middle grade novel Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young, a heartfelt coming-of-age story rooted in Navajo tradition, healing, and the power of courage. Winner of the American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Middle Grade Book, this beautifully written novel blends contemporary life with Indigenous mythology in an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.

When Nathan visits his grandmother on the Navajo reservation for the summer, he expects quiet days filled with family time and desert landscapes. But everything changes when he becomes lost in the desert and encounters something extraordinary—a Water Monster, a Holy Being from Navajo Creation stories, who is in desperate need of help.

As Nathan forms a bond with this mythical being, he is drawn into a mission far greater than himself. With guidance from other Holy Beings and support from his family, he must find the courage to help restore balance and healing not only to the Water Monster, but also to the people he loves, including his struggling Uncle Jet.

Rich in culture, spirituality, and emotional depth, Healer of the Water Monster is a powerful story about identity, resilience, and the strength found in tradition and community.