Race to the Sun
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.
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Rebecca Roanhorse
Rebecca Roanhorse is an author who blends myth, science fiction, and fantasy with a unique and compelling voice. Born and raised in the Southwest, her roots in Native American culture provide the foundation for much of her writing, which often explores themes of power, identity, and resilience. Roanhorse's works don't just entertain—they challenge readers to see the world in new ways.
Her debut novel, Trail of Lightning, ushered in a new era of Indigenous futurism, set in a post-apocalyptic Navajo Nation where gods and monsters walk among the living. This fresh take on the genre earned her critical acclaim and a well-deserved spot on the Hugo and Nebula Awards shortlists. But it’s her fearless exploration of Navajo traditions and stories that truly sets her apart, offering a rich tapestry of culture woven into fantastical worlds.

