When asked to recommend a book or author, I usually suggest an anthology or book of short stories that has multiple authors. Usually these books all revolve around one theme, this one an Indigenous drive thru that moves to wherever it needs to be at the time. The drive in is the same in each story, same building, parking lot, picnic tables, menus and many times the same core group of Grandparents. This is the center of the story with plots, time lines and main characters different in each telling. The length of the story varies as does the medium used to tell the story. Poems are just as likely to show up as the characters play out their problems and question the answers.
These stories are targeted at helping young adults solve their problems as they learn from a varied group of elders. The themes set out to teach each character that heavy loads are easier when shared. The questions rise from the interactions of tribal members within a background shared by generations. Many of the stories are set in Oklahoma, not far from my home. Others may find the young adults trying to fit into life outside their heritage only to learn their heritage is who they are. LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN was an excellent read, even if I'm closer to the Grandparent age than the young adult.

I have a confession. Don't tell anyone, promise? I usually hate anthologies. Like, really hate them. I've tried, I swear, but I just never connect with them. But then… then I read Legendary Frybread Drive-In, and everything changed. Seriously, this book blew me away. I laughed, I cried (a little, don't judge!), and I learned so much.

At first, I'll admit, I was a little overwhelmed. There are a lot of stories and characters, and I wasn't sure how it was all going to come together. But then I started thinking of Sandy June’s Frybread Drive-In as the main character, like it was the thread connecting everything, and suddenly it all clicked. It was like magic. From that point on, I was hooked.

I don't want to give away too much about the individual stories because they're honestly something you need to experience for yourself. Each one is so unique and powerful in its own way. But I have to mention "Game Night" by Darcie Little Badger. Oh. My. Goodness. It was my absolute favorite! Now I'm desperately hoping someone will write a full novel about Indigenous friends playing D&D. Seriously, I need that in my life.

The whole concept of the drive-in is just so brilliant. It’s not a place you can find on a map; it just appears when someone needs it. Need a good meal? Need someone to talk to? Need a place where you feel like you truly belong? Look for the sign, smell the frybread, and Sandy June's will be there. It's this magical, comforting space that brings all these different characters together.

What I really loved was the authenticity of the stories. You could feel the heart and soul in every word. I learned so much about different tribal customs, traditions, and, of course, the amazing food. I mean, after reading this book, I need frybread. Like, yesterday. And the writing styles were all so diverse and engaging. It was just a fantastic reading experience from start to finish.

This book is coming out in Summer 2025, and trust me, you're going to want to get your hands on it. It’s perfect for anyone, really, but especially for teens. It deals with some heavy topics, like death and grief, so be aware of that going in. But overall, it's a story about hope, connection, and finding your place in the world.

Huge thanks to NetGalley, the authors (there are so many amazing Indigenous authors!), and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this early. It’s honestly one of the best anthologies I’ve ever read, and it completely changed my mind about the genre. I can’t recommend it enough.

An anthology of stories from various author's perspectives of a mysterious restaurant that appears on Native American reservations as a mirage of sorts. I really enjoyed the first half, especially Darcie Little Badger's tale of a D&D game inspired by the Legendary Frybread Drive-in. The book serves to spread Indigenous People joy, which I love, and it teaches a lot about the various languages, races, and backgrounds of people with Native American heritage. I love the concept of a magical restaurant that appears right when a person needs it, and that it is interpreted differently yet similarly by each author.

I did get a bit tired of the short-story set up, and wanted to just read one narrative. I also tired of reading about fry bread (though I enjoyed learning more about it and its place as a cultural food staple). I think this book would be great to pick up and read a short story at random, but when reading straight through, it did start to drag.

THIS IS WHAT MIDDLE GRADE FICTION SHOULD ALWAYS BE!!!! I'm obsessed!! This book was so good!
I will read anything by Darcie Little Badger

Wow! What an incredible collection of short stories! It is a rare feat when you get to read a ton of stories from various authors and almost every single one is amazing! Will 100% be revisiting again!

4.25 stars!

I think this is an excellent addition to any high school library! I love that we have such an incredible collection of short stories from Indigenous authors. As a librarian, I adored finding a really good book of short stories. Each story is relatable, and the addition of mysticism really makes it special. I really loved the idea of finding what you need when you need it most.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a fun and heartfelt read! Legendary Fry Bread Drive-In serves up a unique mix of humor, community, and a touch of nostalgia, all centered around a beloved fry bread food truck turned drive-in. The story captures the beauty of family, tradition, and perseverance, with characters that are full of life and charm.

Wow! What a fantastic collection of stories! First of all, to have one book with writings of Angeline Boulley, K.A. Cobell, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Byron -Graves all in one set ... amazing! The common setting of the Legendary Frybread Drive-In is brilliant and well done. I found myself going back to certain stories again and again. Culturally accurate and appropriate. Loved it!

Cynthia Leitich Smith has curated a remarkable collection of short stories by Indigenous authors. Each story follows a teen (or multiple teens) finding themselves at Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In, a magical space that shows up whenever the characters need it the most.

The anthology is wonderfully diverse from the types of teens, elders, and experiences shown. I loved reading the different stories and can't wait to read more from all the authors in the anthology! A must read, and you'll be left wanting frybread.

"Legendary Frybread Drive-In" is a collection of stories by Indigenous authors all tied to an Indigenous run drive-in restaurant that sells fry bread and other food. Each story is a standalone, but when read all together, you get an idea of what a magical place Sandy June's Drive-In is. All of the stories have a lot of heart and will appeal to readers looking for a warm place to land. The end of the book has biographies for all of the authors, as well as a glossary for words in the different languages. A must-buy for all middle grade fiction collections.

Legendary Frybread Drive-in is a collection of stories by many different authors centering around Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-in, which doles out frybread along with good advice for those who are able to find it. This is a wonderful mix of Native stories and I recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about many different aspects of Native life and problems.

I absolutely adored this collection of stories. Normally I am not the biggest anthology fan but something about this set felt like coming home. The overall theme throughout the story was so comforting and informative. I’ve going to rave about this book as much as possible to get as many people to read it.

Cynthia Leitich Smith has put together an all star team of Indigenous authors and the result is this spectacular book of YA short stories! Just like her anthology for middle grade readers, Ancestor Approved, the stories in this book have main characters from one story that make appearances in the others. (I love that!!) All of the stories center around Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In, which appears where and when each of the Native teens needs it. Populated with legendary grandparents, Sandy June's gives each teen exactly what they need to sort out difficulties they are having. Many of the characters in the short stories have appeared in their author's longer work. This masterpiece belongs in every high school library. Highly recommended for grades 8 & up.

This one wasn't for me, but I think it absolutely would be right up the street of other folks, particularly young folks. I felt just too divorced from the content and interests of the young people in the book to feel much connection and found I resonated most with the occasional older adult characters (aunties, mothers, and grandmothers). Turns out I'm officially old. xD. We'll be buying this for our library all the same as well as promoting it through our student book clubs.

I really enjoyed Ancestor Approved, so I was really looking forward to this one. However, once I started it, I just wasn't feeling it, so for now, I am putting it down but may come back to it later when I'm in a different reading mood.

Can I confess something to you? And do you promise not to tell anyone my secret? 🫣 Okay, I feel like you wouldn’t lie to me so I’ll tell you 👀

I actually hate anthologies, I try so hard but I’ve never met an anthology I liked. UNTIL NOW. I genuinely loved this, I laughed, I cried, I learned. I will be honest that I started out feeling frustrated and overwhelmed but once I started to imagine Sandy June’s as the main character, everything clicked and flowed for me after. I’m purposefully not discussing the stories because they really are just something you need to read and experience for yourself but what I will say is Game Night by Darcie Little Badger was my hands down favorite. Now I need a full novel about Indigenous friends playing DnD.

Thanks to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was a beautifully done collection of stories and worked with each of the stories being collected. The theme worked overall and was enjoying the world that was created and how everything was interconnected. I was engaged with the characters and glad I got to read this.

Could barely out it down, such a good read. I will definitely suggest it to everyone. I felt like I was there in the story.