Review: Race to the Sun

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rick Riordan Presents is a middle-grade series with the express purpose of promoting "great voices from cultures that have been marginalized or erased by mainstream culture" and allowing children and youth to find representation in literature. For US readers, perhaps no perspective is more needed in fiction than the Native American one. Many readers of adult dystopian fantasy already know Rebecca Roanhorse, the Campbell (now Astounding), Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Award-winning author of largely Navajo mythos-based fiction. It's no surprise, given her imaginative The Sixth World series, that her first foray into juvenile literature is sheer delight.

Seventh-grader Nizhoni Begay, has a serious problem. She has started seeing monsters, including the one who is trying to hire her dad. Mr. Charles owns a fracking company and sadly Mr. Begay just wants a job that will pay him to support his kids. After Mr. Charles pulls a knife on her, Nizhoni confides in her younger brother Mac and before they know it, they are trying to rescue their father and learn more about their special powers. Because Mac has powers, too. Nizhoni's best friend Davery plans to join them as they seek help from the Diné Holy People, who appear in various guises at crucial moments in their journey. The three kids have to pass a series of tests to gain the aid they need to set things right and maybe just maybe Nizhoni and Mac will get some answers along the way about their missing mom, and her mysterious heritage. (She could see monsters? Really!?) The humorous yet loving relationship between Nizhoni and Mac was delightful. Drawing on Navajo beliefs, including respect for elders, traditions, and natural resources, Roanhorse has spun an engaging book that is fun for both adults and children to read. Best of all, there's plenty of room for further adventures.

I also listened to the terrific audiobook narrated by Kinsale Hueston.

I received a courtesy copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Want to buy a copy of Race to the Sun from your local independent bookstore? Click HERE.

Want to buy the audiobook copy of Race to the Sun and have a portion of the sale benefit your local independent bookstore? Click HERE.

View all my reviews

© Marzie's Reads 2017-2020, All Rights Reserved.