Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, and Nasugraq Rainey Hopson for the opportunity to read Eagle Drums in exchange for an honest review.

I initially found interest in this novel because of the connection to Inuit mythology. Back in fifth grade, I had to do a major research project on a Native-American Indian tribe, and after visiting Alaska, I was extremely invested in learning about the Inuit people and sharing that knowledge with others. Even today, I find myself looking at Inuit language and mythology just for fun, while also referencing their culture in my own creative writings.

This novel takes readers on a captivating journey into the heart of Iñupiaq culture (Alaskan Native-American tribe), where the rich tapestry of tradition and mythology comes alive. Set against the backdrop of a family's winter preparations, the narrative follows a young and skilled hunter, Piña (not spelled like the book, as it uses Iñupiaq-to-English which we do not have an exact character for), whose quest for obsidian leads him to the mountain that holds both peril and promise. The mountain, a haunting reminder of his brothers' tragic fates, becomes the stage for a transformative encounter with the eagle god, Savik. In this stirring tale, the interplay between mortals and divine beings is a conduit for exploring the cultural dynamics that have shaped the Iñupiaq people's identity and their traditional Messenger Feast.

At the crossroads of history and spirituality, Piña faces a profound choice that thrusts him into an odyssey of self-discovery. Through his encounters with the eagle god and subsequent journey to the realm of the eagle gods, readers are immersed in the intricate belief system that defines the Iñupiaq culture and community. As the story unfolds, layers of wisdom about the natural world, ancestral heritage, and the binding force of community are unveiled. Hopson artfully weaves the theme of resilience into the narrative, underscoring the enduring strength of a people who have thrived in the harsh Alaskan landscape for generations.

Eagle Drums not only transports readers to a realm where gods and mortals intersect, but also serves as a poignant tribute to the cultural heritage of the Iñupiaq people. By exploring the origins of the Messenger's Feast, the story offers insight into the origins of music, dance, and the interconnectedness of community members. Hopson's prose is a lyrical homage to the values, rituals, and traditions that have sustained the Iñupiaq throughout time and serve as a valueable history lesson for a middle grade audience.

This book resonates as a celebration of the human spirit's ability to forge connections with both the physical and metaphysical realms, providing a window into a vibrant culture that continues to thrive through its stories and celebrations today. This novel serves as excellent cultural exposure for middle grade readers who might not know about the Iñupiaq people.

<i>Eagle Drums</i> tells the story of a boy who has watched his parents suffer due to the disappearance of his older brothers. He says of his father, "His silence became something you could almost see, a depth and heaviness in the air." So when he is confronted by an eagle who can transform into a human, he chooses to be wise and not run or fight. His mother has advised him about animals like these, "Respect them as you would any strong spirit, and never challenge them."

What follows is an adventure that tries his patience, his endurance, and his determination to someday return home. He is taught many skills and commanded to share them wtih others. He is also instructed in the way to teach other humans these skills and share what he has learned. If he can cling to his memories of home and master these new skills, he may just survive and bring something new back to his people.

Readers will be amazed at the incredible details of the environment, the homes, the foods, and the new instruments that he must master - both to play and to construct. The folklore figures of the animals who can "take off their parkas. And then they are human for a while" are also intriguing. And the portrait of a family grieving for loved ones who are gone - with no closure to that grief - rings true.

Recommended for those who enjoy retellings of legends and mythology, as well as those who appreciate a good survival story.

Eagle Drums is the origin story of the Inupiaq Messenger Feast. Nasugraq Rainey Hopson tells the tale though the eyes of Pinja, a young hunter who lives with his mother and father. They travel around the early Alaskan wilderness in their small family group, mourning the loss of two older sons. As they get ready to travel, Pinja heads up the mountain (the same mountain that killed his two older brothers to search for flint for new arrowheads. He's absorbed in this task when he encounters Savik, the terrifying eagle god. Pinja must chose whether to follow Savik or die like his brothers. Pinja follows the eagle god to the aerie where he is subjected to torturous trials all leading toward one goal. This is an amazing story, engrossing and delightfully readable - it would make a great read-a-loud if middle school teachers do that. Hopson is an excellent, colorful writer. Be sure to read her author notes. This is a book I will buy and return to many times. Thanks to Net Galley for the chance to read the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story! An Alaskan Iñupiaq folktale story that keeps you on your toes. Lots of good messages throughout the story and magical realism.

I received this ARC and scored a paperback copy at ALA. Now I can share it! This Alaskan folktale for middle graders contains the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition. I adored this title, it had mythology and adventure, and kids will relate to the main character. It'll be a Bookish Society selection at some point.

This book follows Pina, a young Iñupiaq boy/hunter and his role in the origins of the Messenger Feast. I loved that it focused on Alaskan Indian culture. The writing style was expertly done - it felt like sitting at the feet of the storyteller.
There are also illustrations throughout that will captivate young readers (and older readers too).
There is so much to be discussed in this book: isolation, community, teamwork, loneliness, grief, purpose, fortitude, loyalty, honor, trustworthiness, I could go on and on.

I received a dARC from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my honest review.

Gripping, fast-paced, skillfully written in a way that lands as smoothly as masterful storytelling. The style is straightforward, and this allows the heart of the story, characters, and setting to quickly take hold, with no need for embellishment or literary flourishes that might risk distracting a reader.

A story of grief, hope, persistence, and courage — and of community. I’ll share this with middle school readers and adults as well. It would be a great school-year, community, or book-club read. Love love love this one and am going to be thinking of the message I took from it for my own adult life.

Thank you, @NetGalley, for the ebook ARC.

This was such an interesting book. Its Alaskan folklore but feels very contemporary. The author really surrounded you with the feeling of being in Alaska and experiencing the tasks and rituals from their ancestors. The slow pace of the story (no, not boring) made you think and contemplate the meaning and value of the tasks. It was just so well done.
I really enjoyed all the references to purveying food, human relationships with nature and humans relationships with animals of the forest. It was a beautiful book.
Enjoy!

I personally struggled to connect with this particular story. I got about half way through and then decided it just wasn't my style or interest. I do believe that this is a strong, Native American story. If this is something you are looking for in your middle grade classroom- this might be a solid choice.