Eagle Drums: (Newbery Honor Book) -- Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, Hardcover

A magical realistic middle grade debut about the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition.

As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping--the same mountain where his two older brothers died.

When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a choice: follow me or die like your brothers.

What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.

Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Messenger's Feast - which is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq. It's the story of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting tradition.

Author: Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 09/12/2023
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.09lbs
Size: 8.62h x 5.89w x 0.87d
ISBN: 9781250750655
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2023
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2023
BookPage 09/01/2023

About the Author
Born and raised in Alaska, Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is a tribally enrolled Iñupiaq author and illustrator. She holds a BA degree in studio art from Humboldt State University and is a student of philosophy and marine biology. She's had several careers, including documentarian and school teacher, where her focus is always on reclaiming indigenous culture and creativity.