The summer of the bone horses

Eddie is spending the summer with his grandparents on the Rosebud Reservation. Though he misses his parents and is worried about his father undergoing surgery, he has fun with his grandparents. Eddie helps with chores, learns how to ride a horse, and plays with the bone horses his grandfather gives him. Mostly, Eddie spends quality time with his grandparents. Whether working in the garden, riding Grandpa's horse, Buck, to the store, or hanging laundry out to dry, Eddie's summer is full of adventure. This gorgeously illustrated chapter book is inspired by the author's brother's experience while staying with their grandparents in 1944. Driving Hawk Sneve (Rosebud Sioux Tribe/Sacunga Lakota) shows a loving relationship between Eddie and his grandparents amidst their daily life. Tender moments between the three characters, their loyal dog, and their lovable horse are interspersed with action-filled experiences. Littlebird's (Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes) full-color illustrations are bright, engaging, and atmospheric. Young readers and their grownups are sure to delight in this tale that highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships, Indigenous language, and life on the Rosebud Reservation.

When his father needs to undergo a medical procedure, Lakota youth Eddie's parents take him to his grandparents' Rosebud Reservation home. Having never been away from his mom and dad for an extended period, Eddie experiences intense loneliness: "Grandma gave him a glass of juice and put a plate of cookies on the table. But he only nibbled at one because he felt a hurting ache all over." As the summer progresses, however, he finds himself busy pulling weeds in Grandma's garden and helping Grandpa take care of their horse. Then his grandfather is badly injured and, as further obstacles arise, it's up to Eddie to use everything he's learned to get him to the hospital. Sneve (Rosebud Sioux) crafts a gentle chapter book tale of an Indigenous youth immersing himself in his heritage and learning from his elders. Seamlessly layered plotting builds to a captivating climax, and vivid colored pencil and digitally enhanced drawings with block print textures by Littlebird (Oregon Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) inject warmth throughout. Ages 5--8. (Apr.)