Heroes of the Water Monster

The Water Monster's Guardian is 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, a young boy, is ready to move in with his dad's girlfriend and her son, Nathan, who has been taking care of a water monster named Dew for two years.

But Edward will be the one to take over as Dew's next guardian, and he has a lot to learn about taking care of a water monster.

A powerful Yitoo Bii’aanii, Dew's big sister, is coming up to Fourth World to instruct Dew after recovering in the Third World for one hundred and sixty 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.

This riveting and emotionally affecting adventure is full of heart and a genuinely pleasurable read, according to Kirkus Reviews (starred review).