Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is a new middle grade novel in the Rick Riordan Presents series. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Race to the Sun is based on Navajo mythology and follows Nizhoni, a 12 year old girl who suddenly discovers she can see monsters... I really enjoyed this book. I read Roanhorse’s adult novels which are also based on Navajo mythology and liked those as well.

Overall, the book follows the Percy Jackson script: a group of youngsters discover that all the stories are true, ancient gods and mythological creatures do really exist, and it is up to them - the heroes of present day - to save the world. I think this book could be a nice introduction for kids into Native American myths, and perhaps some will want to research them in greater detail. I also thought the characters were very realistic and sounded and behaved their age. 4 out of 5 stars.

An e-ARC was provided by NetGalley.com

Review copy provided by the publisher.
If you've been following the new releases from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint of kids' fantasies, I think you'll be pleased with Rebecca Roanhorse's addition to the line, a tale of modern Navajo (Diné) kids fighting exploitative monsters on behalf of the world. If you've been reading Rebecca Roanhorse's science fiction fantasy thrillers set in a ravaged American Southwest, I think it'll be exciting to see her do a kids' take on the same region and legends. If you haven't been reading either--welcome, you've got a lot of fun stuff ahead of you.
And this is one.
Nizhoni Begay has never quite figured out how she's going to shine in the world, but she's sure there's going to be something. She's in the midst of crossing basketball and internet stardom off her list, but surely something else will come along where she can dazzle. It turns out there is! And it is monsters! Or the hunting of monsters! So that's...well, it's a lot, honestly. It is a whole book worth and possibly then some. Nizhoni's little brother and best friend have special gifts of their own, not just along for the ride, and so do some unexpected other cast members, sometimes in disguise.
So this is a heck of a quest. Trains and giant birds and personal growth and magical arrows and things that you would want on a quest! It is fun and it has brave kid protagonists and they eat Cheetos and fight baddies and basically I think you will like it and also some kids you know might like it! Okay? Okay!

I'm still working on fully putting together all of my thoughts on this beautiful story. I'm definitely excited to get a few copies in at my public library and to use it as one of the books for my kids' summer book club this year! I highly recommend it!! I'm definitely also going to check out some of Rebecca Roanhorse's other writing.

What fun! Race to the Sun is the middle grade children’s adventure novel that we absolutely needed!

Written by the talented Rebecca Roanhorse, Race to the Sun uses Navajo mythology in an epic quest full of danger and trials. Main characer Nizhoni, a 7th grader who wants to be special, finds herself able to sense monsters — a gift which becomes crucial when her father goes missing.

Accompanied by younger brother Mac and best friend Davery, these three tweens must navigate the American Southwest through landmarks both real and fantastical, facing down monsters and accepting assistance from legendary characters such as Spider Woman, Yellow Corn Girl, and the Sun himself.

Along the way, the children learn lessons about bravery, sacrifice, loyalty, and the importance of their roots and their connection to their people’s past.

(It’s also an understated but quite effective premise to have the bad guy being the head of an oil company that wants to exploit ancestral clan powers to help his frakking business!)

The adventure skips along quickly, with moments of scary breathlessness as well more humorous interludes and moments of sadness and loss. All are woven together into a quest story that never flags, throwing in unexpected twists and turns as well as moments of grace and insight.

Race to the Sun is part of Disney’s Rick Riordan Presents imprint, which makes total sense. I can see this book absolutely being a hit for kids who’ve read and loved the Percy Jackson books and are eager for more tales of heroes and legends and the ordinary kids who find hidden gifts inside themselves.

I also think it’s important that both Native and non-Native young readers have the opportunity to be exposed to mythologies beyond the Greek and Roman that are taught in school. Race to the Sun does this in an engaging, authentic way without ever making it feel like being force-fed something educational.

Highly recommended for middle grade readers and their parents, teachers, and anyone else who appreciates seeing well-written, engrossing stories with multicultural perspectives end up in the hands of excited readers!

Adventure and mythology, combined with unique character voices and personalities, especially the younger brother, will keep the middle grade-junior high reader completely involved in this mystery set in the Southwest US. Mythology is not my forte, but this might just make me a convert.

This book was so much <i>fun</i>! I love books about different mythologies, and being Canadian we hear about Native American mythos a lot. Nizhoni is an awesome protagonist, and Davery and Mac are really chill and good for her to bounce off. The story itself was easy to follow, and had more than enough action and intrigue to keep anyone engaged. Definitely one I'll be recommending when it hits shelves, because it's a great addition to the Riordan Presents line. Roanhorse has a great voice for kids, which is interesting to me considering her other books. I loved this one a lot!

The next release from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint comes with main characters that are Navajo, and the book delivers on the promise that this imprint made to provide details on mythology and the culture of groups that Rick Riordan has stated he is interested in, but not wanting to write about on his own. Rebecca Roanhorse is a great writer, so I was excited to read this story.

Nizhoni Begay is starting to sense that there is something different about her and if you read any books from Riordan or from the imprint, you will know what is going to happen right away (spoiler in the next sentence). Her powers, and the powers of her brother Marcus as well, are awakening and they will be able to feel the presence of monsters, but also be detected by them as well (one of which is Mr. Charles). The arrival of Mr. Charles, who is important to his Dad's business kicks off a flurry of activity and Nizhoni's Dad tells the kids they need to run from danger.

Eventually, they learn more about their new powers and the connections to their family and what they need to do to bring their family back together. The rest of the book takes us through many trials with connections to Navajo culture as the siblings team up with best friend Davery to stop monsters. I do wish the villains (particularly monsters) were more detailed or nuanced but the other characters are worth following and the world they travel through is a welcome addition to this imprint. Maybe this will happen in a sequel?

I’m a huge fan of Roanhorse’s Sixth World series, which starts with Trail of Lightning, so much so that I’ve even considered reading her new Star Wars book despite the fact that I have little to no interest in Star Wars just because I like her writing that much. So of course I was thrilled to get an early copy of Race to the Sun. While I did enjoy this book, the reality is that I’m not the target audience, and the Sixth World series is more my speed. That said, I think this book is really well done and that any middle grade mythology reader will love it. Roanhorse just did such a great job crafting the world in this book using Navajo mythology and sending Nizhoni on her quest. It was a lot of fun and everything I would hope for in a book from this imprint. So if you love a good middle grade novel, you should 100 percent check this out! And if you prefer adult fantasy, then definitely give Trail of Lightning a shot. You won’t be disappointed!

The selections for Rick Riordan Presents just keep getting better and better. In this action-packed adventure exploring the world's cultures, we are introduced to the Native American gods and myths.
Nizhoni is of Navajo descent and lives with her dad and younger brother, Max. Her mother left when Nizhoni was very young for mysterious reasons and she misses having a mother for all the reasons a young girl just entering her teens would but also for the fact that she is dealing with an interesting power, that of being able to see monsters everywhere. When she spies her dad being spirited away by his new boss who is clearly a monster and looking to grab Nizhoni and her brother as well, she knows she must be brave and get him back. So off to find the Spider Woman and a map to take her to where the bad guys have her dad, go Nizhoni, Max, her best nerdy friend Davery and a talking horny toad guide. The legends are exciting, the action is non-stop and the message of friendship and family pride is priceless. It is the perfect blend of adventure fantasy with a dose of real kid problems mixed in. Don't be surprised if young readers are asking to go into the desert on their own quest.
My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

RACE TO THE SUN by Rebecca Roanhorse is yet another excellent story based on mythology, in this case Navajo mythology. I love the Rick Riordan Imprint, which brings the stories of different world cultures to life for middle grade readers. In Race to the Sun, Roanhorse tells the story of Nizhoni, a Navajo girl who discovers that she has powers passed down to her by her ancestors. She is a Monsterslayer, and she must quickly learn what that entails as she, her younger brother, and her best friend begin a quest to save her father, pass a series of trials, and fight the monsters that want to harm her family and the rest of the world too. Fortunately, they have help from the Diyin Dine’é, the Diné (Navajo) Holy People and the magical Guardians. But Nizhoni’s greatest battle comes as she learns what really happened to her long-lost mother.
Read more in this fast-paced, exciting adventure! I learned so much about Navajo stories and culture, and the glossary at the back was very helpful!

I received an electronic ARC from Disney Book Group through NetGalley.
It's refreshing to read a book for this age level based on Navajo mythology.
Nizhoni is a typical girl who wants to be special but struggles to fit in. She carries anger over her mom's loss and her dad's detachment from she and her brother. To fit in, she desperately wants to be a hero and be popular at her new school. Her best friend, Davery, sees her and accepts her for who she is. Her younger brother, Mac, has his own problems and struggles. The three must go on a quest to defeat the monsters that only Nizhoni can see.
Roanhorse creates a set of characters and a plot that pull readers in. She weaves information throughout the story so readers can learn about the Navajo culture and heritage. The three questers encounter various old ones and Holy Ones as they complete the trials set before them.
Though there are a few typos, the overall book reads smoothly.

Seventh-grader Nizhoni has recently begun to sense monsters and is startled to discover that her father's potential new boss is not only a monster but out to get her. When her father goes missing, Nizhoni, her younger brother and her best friend set out on a fantastical adventure to rescue her father from the monsters.

Riordan's forward does a wonderful job of explaining the importance of #ownvoice representation in children's books, and this title is another solid addition to his imprint.

Rick Riordan presents is on a roll with opening the world’s eyes to diverse mythologies told in authentic voices and this one is a perfect introduction to Navajo storytelling. Nizhoni Begay is a classic single-parent-raised, teenager turned demon-seeing, monsterslayer. This storyline will sound familiar for many. I found the base mythologies very interesting and different enough to keep me curious. However, I thought the read level was lower than many of the Rick Riordan Presents books, making it appropriate for an elementary audience, but not as engaging as an adult reading the book. This also meant slightly less rich character development than I have come to expect. This being said though, I am sure my elementary students will enjoy this and I will definitely be adding it to our school library.

NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review and I can’t wait to tell my students all about this book!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.




Book: Race to the Sun




Author: Rebecca Roanhorse




Book Series: Standalone so far




Rating: 5/5




Diversity: Native American main and side characters and lore.




Publication Date: January 14, 2020




Genre: MG Fantasy




Recommended Age: 12+ (some violence, some slightly scary moments)




Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents




Pages: 320




Amazon Link




Synopsis: Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.

When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .

Timeless themes such as the importance of family and respect for the land resonate in this funny, fast-paced, and exciting quest adventure set in the American Southwest. 




Review: Oh my god, let’s talk about THIS BOOK. It was AMAZING! I loved the Native American rep in this, I loved how the lore was so effortlessly interwoven in this read, I loved how the characters were developed and how the world was built. The writing was phenomenal and the pacing was on key. The book is an amazing adventure and I loved every minute of it. I loved being in Nizhoni’s mind and I loved how the author snuck in references in the book about the harm that pipelines and other oil industry moves have on the land and environment.




I feel that this book is very well rounded, I read it in about 2 hours, but for fairness sakes I will say that the end fight scene was a bit chaotic for me to read and I wished that there was more of this book. I think the author has an amazing talent for writing and I want her to continue with Nizhoni’s adventures. Also, I need to know what happened to “the other kids”.




Verdict: Amazing read and definitely worth it! Seriously, go read it!

NIzhoni must pass through trials and save her family in this Diné Native American story. Great addition to #ownvoices and #diversecharacters, writing for elementary students.
#RaceToTheSun #NetGalley #ARC

First of all I just want to add that I’m not an ownvoices reader for this specific story but the author is ownvoices which is cool!

I loved learning about the Navajo mythology in this fun adventure! Honestly the only complaint I have about this book is that it ended too quickly! I would have loved for this to be longer so we could be a part of the adventure for a longer time but other than that, this was a beautifully told story about a girl that would do anything for her family!

Nizhoni is fierce and protective and honestly I was so proud of the journey she went through! From the very first page I loved her character. She was funny and smart and so honest. Of course, her character development was awesome and I loved to see her grow more confident and get stronger and more comfortable with herself! I loved how she tried to learn more about her family and her heritage. I especially loved how she was so protective of her family, especially her little brother!

Mac (Nizhoni’s brother) is literally so adorable and funny! A lot of the funniest quotes came from him and honestly, kid, I love hot cheetos too. Davery was also a really great character. I loved his friendship with Nizhoni and how he really stood up for Nizhoni and believed her about all the crazy stuff that was happening even when no one else would!

We had a lot of fun (scary?) monsters and creatures which was really great. The whole adventure gave me A wrinkle in time vibes in the sense that it was so magical and intriguing. The squad was so relatable and the trials they went through were so interesting to read about! I loved how the myths were modernized and made for this new audience!

I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of ownvoices, learning new mythology, wants an adventure worthy of making a youtube channel for, talking…frogs?, and daughters who will do anything to save their father. If you like hot cheetos, prophecies told in song, a chosen one, friendship and family, and realizing that you don’t need to be anyone other than yourself, then this book is definitely for you!

The Rick Riordan Presents books are still killing it! I read Roanhorse's adult sci-fi book and found it a bit too gritty for my personal tastes, but this middle-grade story was just right for my delicate sensibilities. Nizhoni is a great narrator and this was a really fun quest with a very satisfying conclusion, though still setting itself up for a sequel (that I can't wait to read)!

Race to the Sun is my third book from Rick Riordan Presents and I can now say that it is an imprint that I completely trust. And on top that, I read three of Roanhorse’s books this year and they were all stellar. Combine the two and you’ve got the makings of a very good book!

Nizhoni (Z) Begay is a Native American young woman who sticks out a bit, but not always in a good way. Like the time she called for the last shot in the basketball game… but instead of being the hero, she’s distracted by a monster in the stands (who only she can see) and takes a pass off the nose. The other team took her face-rebound and took it to the other end of the court for the win. Pretty soon Nizhoni, her good friend Davery, and Z’s brother Mac figure what out what the monster’s goals are and how they’re connected to her family.

With the help of small horned toad, Nizhoni is able to truly see the power of her gifts. Oh, and those of her brother… They are the Hero Twins of Navajo legend. And Davery? He’s just super duper smart. The three are instructed to go off on a quest to find ancient artifacts they can trade for the weapons that will help them defeat their foes.

The first three chapters of this book got me so into this story. Nizhoni’s character is developed so quickly with the story of the basketball game and then when the magic drops in the subsequent chapters, the book just takes off. Roanhorse does such a great job blending the 20th century teens with the Navajo mythology and the great setting of Albuquerque and its surroundings. I was taken in immediately… great flying birds, a lightning sword, and plenty of action.

I would highly recommend this book to middle-grade readers and up. The themes of family loyalty, racism, and the power of myth. I will definitely continue to read Riordan’s imprint which is full of quality YA own-voices fantasy.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Rick Riordan Presents, and the author for an advanced copy for review.

I am especially thankful that I received the e-ARC for this book from the author, publisher, and NetGalley during finals week. For a little bit of context, I am a second-year graduate student, and I taught freshmen composition courses for the first time this semester. As I closed the semester, I really struggled with impostor syndrome and feared that I had let my students down. I am very happy to say that the time I spent with Nizhoni on her journey, along with my students' strong final essays, was just what I needed in my moment of darkness. I won't spoil anything about the story, but I will say that I felt inspired to be my best self after finishing this book. I also loved how Roanhorse incorporated traditional Navajo stories in a topical narrative filled to the brim with hope for the future and the utmost respect for the past. All in all, I look forward to sharing this book with my future kids and hope that they treasure it as much as I do.

Score: 3.7 Stars.

This is the first book I read from Rick Riordan Presents and I loved it!

The objective behind this book hooked me from the beginning. The fact that this book was made to provide more representation to other ethnic and cultural groups in the United States, in this case, Race to the Sun is about the Navajos.

I should start by saying that this is a middle-grade book, which I think is perfectly appropiate, since I think that the younger readers are the ones that would completely enjoy this story. I feel this is the kind of books I would read to my kids!
Since the beginning the story hooked me. Our main character is Zhijoni, a Navajo teenager that lives with her dad and her brother. She has always wanted to be special and recognized for any talent, but she has always failed on that goal. The hook of the story is that she can perceive monsters and her family don't believe in her.

I personally liked all the characters, except for Mac (Zhijoni's brother), he was annoying 90% of the time.

I recommend this novel since it's a book that can be read easily and fast! In one or two weeks you can finish this book.