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Eagle Drums
A magical realistic middle grade debut about the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition.
As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping―the same mountain where his two older brothers died.
When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a follow me or die like your brothers.
What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Messenger’s Feast – which is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq. It’s the story of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting tradition.
As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping―the same mountain where his two older brothers died.
When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a follow me or die like your brothers.
What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Messenger’s Feast – which is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq. It’s the story of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting tradition.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
March 8, 2024
A beautiful legend brought to life. I highly recommend the audiobook, narrated by Disney princess Irene Bedard, which really made it feel like I was listening to someone tell me a story by a fire. This story of a boy being educated by eagle spirits so that he can return to his family and make everyone's life better was just so lovely. I don't really know what else to say about it, other than that I think this would be excellent in the classroom as well.
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September 29, 2023A lovely middle grade book that tells the story of the first Iñupiaq Messenger Feast in simple, precisely wrought prose. Also illustrated, although the drawings of people feel a bit stiff.
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing a copy.
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing a copy.
October 10, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this legend. What a beautiful story!
January 31, 2024
3.5 stars: This book tells the story of the first Messenger Feast of the Inupiat people. This book is very well written and I loved the beautiful illustrations throughout the story. This story is a bit slower, but it was very engaging. I’m looking forward to more books by this author. I really thought her artwork was a nice touch to the story. This book won the Newbery Honor award and it was well deserved.
March 15, 2024
Didn't know anything about this, and I really really liked it. Such a lovely surprise! Best depiction of the joy of community that I have read in quite some time.
April 20, 2024
Interesting if not dynamic. The story really dragged for me.
52 Book Club24: #46 - Featuring Indigenous culture
RATL24: Animal stories
52 Book Club24: #46 - Featuring Indigenous culture
RATL24: Animal stories
March 14, 2024
I finished it, so it wasn't bad; it had so much great descriptive detail and a wonderful ending. But I didn't really care about any of the characters, so I didn't really care about 80% of the story.
February 15, 2024
The art of oral storytelling is captured in this tale about a boy captured by Eagles and taught to speak their language of culture and community. These are not kind kidnappers and the failure of the boy to learn how to treat others will lead to his death. Full of suspense and exploration of themes on fear of others, family, harmony and more.
December 27, 2023
I initially decided to read this book on whim because I needed something short and winter-themed for the 3rd-5th grade book club I lead. I did not expect to enjoy it nearly as much as I did. While it can be slow at times, it feels intentional. It makes you as eager as the boy to find out what will happen next, and you are filled with as much excitement as he is when you finally learn the meaning behind a lesson or the answer to a question. As a white, monolingual person, I started out being frustrated that there wasn't a pronunciation guide for all of the Iñupiaq words, but I realized quickly that the book was not written for me. This was written by an Inuit woman to be enjoyed by other Inuit people who would understand the language and context of the story. It's not her job to educate me about her culture, and I am honored just to be able to experience this story as an outsider. I also found that because I did not know the original story that inspired the book, I was able to connect to the boy more easily. We were ignorant together about the eagles' teachings, and there was something very lovely about that. The message of connection struck me especially hard. A lesson that was true hundreds, if not thousands of years ago still holds true today.
August 24, 2023
ARC was given by NetGalley & Roaring Brook Press.
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Content/Trigger Warnings: Loss of siblings, grief, animal death, loneliness, depictions of depression, anxiety, blood, scene of assault
This book had no right to make me feel so many feelings and make me cry multiple times especially when I was reading the author's notes. This is a story of the origins of the Messenger Feast of the Iñupiat of the Arctic Circle. This is a story that's passed down orally from generation to generation and it's such a incredibly beautiful story to follow. It's a story filled with family, sense of community, how all of us are connected to everything and everyone, the important lessons we learn especially when it comes to tradition, and the way we keep pushing forward despite our hardships. It's also about how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, a community, and the everlasting tradition of the Messenger Feast. There's just so much packed into this story that filled my heart with so much warmth and learning about the Messenger Feast was such wonderful experience especially as a Native reader. It always feels like such a privilege to learn and read stories from other Native/Indigenous people who aren't from my own Tribe. So I feel really blessed, really privileged to be reading this book, and all at the same time emotional over the story I just read. If you're looking for more Native/Indigenous literature to add to your radar, I highly recommend putting Eagle Drums on your list. I think this is such a wonderful story that everyone just needs to experience.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
Release Date: September 12th, 2023
Content/Trigger Warnings: Loss of siblings, grief, animal death, loneliness, depictions of depression, anxiety, blood, scene of assault
"He felt as if his very soul had grown and found roots in the people around him He felt more connected than he had ever before, connected to the world, connected to the life around him, and connected to his parents. The celebrations filled him with such inspiration, such wonder, and an enduring strength. He felt his humanity blossom with new insight and a deeper sense of stability. The future held fewer unknowns, and with all this knowledge he felt more deeply accepted... flaws and all."
This book had no right to make me feel so many feelings and make me cry multiple times especially when I was reading the author's notes. This is a story of the origins of the Messenger Feast of the Iñupiat of the Arctic Circle. This is a story that's passed down orally from generation to generation and it's such a incredibly beautiful story to follow. It's a story filled with family, sense of community, how all of us are connected to everything and everyone, the important lessons we learn especially when it comes to tradition, and the way we keep pushing forward despite our hardships. It's also about how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, a community, and the everlasting tradition of the Messenger Feast. There's just so much packed into this story that filled my heart with so much warmth and learning about the Messenger Feast was such wonderful experience especially as a Native reader. It always feels like such a privilege to learn and read stories from other Native/Indigenous people who aren't from my own Tribe. So I feel really blessed, really privileged to be reading this book, and all at the same time emotional over the story I just read. If you're looking for more Native/Indigenous literature to add to your radar, I highly recommend putting Eagle Drums on your list. I think this is such a wonderful story that everyone just needs to experience.
The quotes above were taken from an ARC and are subject to change upon publication.
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
February 18, 2024
Just finished Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson
The book is beautifully written. As the tension and learning build, I knew something truly out-of-this world would happen at the end . . . and it did. Tears filled my eyes out of respect, admiration, and awe. Booktalking this often!
No wonder it garnered several 2024 awards---Newbery Honor, American Indian in Youth Literature Award Honor Book
The book is beautifully written. As the tension and learning build, I knew something truly out-of-this world would happen at the end . . . and it did. Tears filled my eyes out of respect, admiration, and awe. Booktalking this often!
No wonder it garnered several 2024 awards---Newbery Honor, American Indian in Youth Literature Award Honor Book
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March 8, 2024disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
This is a middle-grade story based in Iñupiat mythology and folklore, and I absolutely adored it. We are given a look at the first Messenger Feast of the Iñupiat people of the Arctic Circle. It shares the story of how the people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and tradition. I also really enjoyed seeing the origins of showing genuine gratitude, reverence, and recognition of the animals and land that they use to hunt, forage, and ultimately, survive and thrive <3
Pina is still reeling from the death of his older brothers, and as he is gathering supplies for his family's winter preparations, he is taken by Savik, an eagle god, who gives him a grisly ultimatum: come with me, or die like your brothers ('hey btw I killed them!' sheesh!)! Obviously, Pina goes with Savik, and learns from their teachings, especially about gathering, sharing, and building community. Previously, Pina's family was solitary because they were fearful of strangers (and like, humans can arguably be deemed the 'scum of the earth' so I can't blame them for this initial fear!), but as Pina returns, they host the first ever Messenger Feast and finally take a chance on humans, and invite others to gather.
I adored this narration by Irene Bedard, and highly recommend this audiobook to those it's accessible to. I will absolutely recommend this to the middle-grade readers in my life!
Thank you to PRH Audio and the publisher for the ALC - I provided this honest review of my own accord!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Grief, and Animal death
Moderate: Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child abuse, and Mental illness
This is a middle-grade story based in Iñupiat mythology and folklore, and I absolutely adored it. We are given a look at the first Messenger Feast of the Iñupiat people of the Arctic Circle. It shares the story of how the people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and tradition. I also really enjoyed seeing the origins of showing genuine gratitude, reverence, and recognition of the animals and land that they use to hunt, forage, and ultimately, survive and thrive <3
Pina is still reeling from the death of his older brothers, and as he is gathering supplies for his family's winter preparations, he is taken by Savik, an eagle god, who gives him a grisly ultimatum: come with me, or die like your brothers ('hey btw I killed them!' sheesh!)! Obviously, Pina goes with Savik, and learns from their teachings, especially about gathering, sharing, and building community. Previously, Pina's family was solitary because they were fearful of strangers (and like, humans can arguably be deemed the 'scum of the earth' so I can't blame them for this initial fear!), but as Pina returns, they host the first ever Messenger Feast and finally take a chance on humans, and invite others to gather.
I adored this narration by Irene Bedard, and highly recommend this audiobook to those it's accessible to. I will absolutely recommend this to the middle-grade readers in my life!
Thank you to PRH Audio and the publisher for the ALC - I provided this honest review of my own accord!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Grief, and Animal death
Moderate: Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Child abuse, and Mental illness
Read
October 28, 2023Pina is a young Inuit hunter who leads a hard, dignified life. His brothers have disappeared when they went to the mountains, never to come home. His family lives in their grounds alone, with no neighbors to depend on, and as a consequence they have to be self-sufficient, with Pina learning to hunt caribou and kill bears despite his young age while his father and mother take on the roles of sea hunter and fur weaver at home respectively. When they do encounter other people, each group must view the other with distant distrust and mutual suspicion, out of the demands of survival.
One day, Pina must also disembark for the mountains despite his mother's protests. He encounters an eagle spirit named Sapik who can shapeshift to a human form. Sapik informs him without ceremony that he has killed Pina's brothers, and if Pina doesn't follow him and abide by his rules, he will suffer the same fate. What does the eagle spirit want with Pina? Pina must follow him to the lands of the eagles to figure this out.
This is an incredible story of Inuit mythology, as well as the intimate bonds between humans and nature. It tells of the traditions of gratitude and acknowledgement that rule Inuit relationships with animals.
One day, Pina must also disembark for the mountains despite his mother's protests. He encounters an eagle spirit named Sapik who can shapeshift to a human form. Sapik informs him without ceremony that he has killed Pina's brothers, and if Pina doesn't follow him and abide by his rules, he will suffer the same fate. What does the eagle spirit want with Pina? Pina must follow him to the lands of the eagles to figure this out.
This is an incredible story of Inuit mythology, as well as the intimate bonds between humans and nature. It tells of the traditions of gratitude and acknowledgement that rule Inuit relationships with animals.
July 21, 2024
I am amazed that I never heard about this book in Mock Newbery discussions or elsewhere last year: even after being named as an Honor book in January, it still only has 45 Amazon reviews. Before reading it, I assumed that maybe it was because it wasn’t all that good and was just being recognized as an own voices/diversity pick. Terrible, I know, but I had no other explanation for why it wasn’t being discussed in all the places I track new middle grade fiction.
However, I will admit that I was very wrong and that Eagle Drums is deserving of its Newbery Honor status. I expected Pinja’s story to be the standard hero’s journey arc, but Hopson had so much more depth to the lessons learned by her protagonist. I especially appreciated Pinja’s love for family and connections, though I don’t want to say more and spoil it. Pinja is a boy you will cheer for by the end of this mythological origin story.
However, I will admit that I was very wrong and that Eagle Drums is deserving of its Newbery Honor status. I expected Pinja’s story to be the standard hero’s journey arc, but Hopson had so much more depth to the lessons learned by her protagonist. I especially appreciated Pinja’s love for family and connections, though I don’t want to say more and spoil it. Pinja is a boy you will cheer for by the end of this mythological origin story.
April 3, 2024
A magical realistic middle grade debut about the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition.
As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping―the same mountain where his two older brothers died.
When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a follow me or die like your brothers.
What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Messenger’s Feast – which is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq. It’s the story of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting tradition.
As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping―the same mountain where his two older brothers died.
When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a terrifying eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a follow me or die like your brothers.
What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Messenger’s Feast – which is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq. It’s the story of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting tradition.
May 8, 2024
This is a middle-grade novel that retells the story of how the Messenger Feast of the Iñupiaq people of northern Alaska and other areas of the Arctic Circle came to be. The story has been passed down orally from generation to generation for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years, but gradually this sort of story and many other cultural traditions were essentially banned by governments, churches, and other institutions. This festival and other aspects of Iñupiaq culture are now being resurrected as people fought back for the right to practice and sustain their heritage and history.
While I enjoyed the story, and appreciate this opportunity to learn about this aspect of an unfamiliar culture, I couldn't help but notice the number of Iñupiaq words that were included in the text without explanation or even a glossary in the back of the book, which would have been helpful for students and teachers both for correct pronunciation and definition.
While I enjoyed the story, and appreciate this opportunity to learn about this aspect of an unfamiliar culture, I couldn't help but notice the number of Iñupiaq words that were included in the text without explanation or even a glossary in the back of the book, which would have been helpful for students and teachers both for correct pronunciation and definition.
February 11, 2024
I thought this was a very good, well-written book.
I was a little annoyed at the underlying selfishness of the eagles, and that they would be happy to kill people as punishment for not helping them fulfill their own desires. And you could see what that final feast was from a mile away.
But altogether, this book did a good job. I feel like I understand the Inupiaq culture just a little bit more. And I like it.
I was a little annoyed at the underlying selfishness of the eagles, and that they would be happy to kill people as punishment for not helping them fulfill their own desires. And you could see what that final feast was from a mile away.
But altogether, this book did a good job. I feel like I understand the Inupiaq culture just a little bit more. And I like it.
April 12, 2024
Interesting insight into the culture, although the writing felt really stiff to me. I definitely wanted to know how this ended and how all the work was going to pay off, but I eventually had to switch to the audio book so I could just get through it faster. Which is a shame, because the story itself is really great.
November 15, 2023
This middle grade book was absolutely beautiful with the plot, the lessons learned, and the value of connections to people. Although, I’m still holding ground on not connecting to everyone. The illustrations are also beautiful and I loved that this was one of the stories to read during Native American Month.
I will say it opens with hunting caribou, but not graphic…just talks about killing. However, this would be perfect for anyone middle grade and above to read.
🦅
I will say it opens with hunting caribou, but not graphic…just talks about killing. However, this would be perfect for anyone middle grade and above to read.
🦅
August 2, 2024
We found this book in a local bookstore in Ketchikan, Alaska and it perfectly embodies exactly what I was looking for, local stories and a local author. The mix of imagery and the authors own art really helped me understand Iñupait culture and history. I learned a lot from this book!
February 19, 2024
So unique to have an Inupiaq origin story in novel form. Beautiful. 🦅🦅🦅🦅
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June 3, 2024Beautifully written.
August 1, 2024
A sweet middle grade retelling of the origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast.
January 31, 2024
Not surprised it received the awards it did. Recommend to all!
April 24, 2024
A very simple story, so simple I was bored tbh. The illustrations are cutesy and do not align with the cover art, which was a better match for the book’s style.
September 12, 2023
This is the story of a boy who is confronted with an eagle in human form who gives him a choice to follow and learn from him or be killed. Over the course of many moons, the boy learns to make drums, sing, and develops various other skills while under the tutelage of the eagles. After some time, he shares the things he learns, culminating in the origins of the Messenger Feast.
I always enjoy learning about other cultures and the history behind important holidays or festivities. This book was no exception. I did find it to be a bit slow, and that made the story harder to get into. I also think if the author's note was at the beginning, instead of the end, I might have had a better understanding of what was going on and that would have helped the story a bit more. That being said, I am glad I read this and enjoyed learning about this important tradition of the Inupiaq people.
I always enjoy learning about other cultures and the history behind important holidays or festivities. This book was no exception. I did find it to be a bit slow, and that made the story harder to get into. I also think if the author's note was at the beginning, instead of the end, I might have had a better understanding of what was going on and that would have helped the story a bit more. That being said, I am glad I read this and enjoyed learning about this important tradition of the Inupiaq people.
November 24, 2023
11/23/2023 Excellent counterprogramming for Thanksgiving. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
11/24/2023 For the longest time, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. It's an occasion for people to gather and reflect on all the things they're thankful for, which is in my opinion the most meaningful reason people can come together. But then, ofc, I learned about the American holiday's terrible origins in colonization and betrayal, whitewashed over the years to make the day more palatable to larger, more gullible swathes of the populace, amongst whose number I had once been.
While I'm still grateful for the ability for loved ones to get together and count our blessings, I also think that it's important for those of us who live here in the United States of America -- and by extension Canada -- to acknowledge and honor the First People who shared their bounty with others, asking nothing in return (and in far too many cases getting less than nothing, or receiving just outright cruelty or evil in exchange.) So I'm really glad that Nasugraq Rainey Hopson wrote this book, that talks about the origins of the Inupiaq Messenger Feast, a tradition of several native tribes of Alaska that has much in common with the modern celebration of Thanksgiving.
As legend has it, Pinay was the youngest of three brothers who lived with their parents in a rich part of the North. One by one, his older brothers disappeared, leaving him only an ornately carved bow hewn by the eldest and decorated by the middle brother with scenes indicating good hunting. Pinay himself grew to be an expert hunter, honoring the land and working with his parents to store the the food -- meat, fish and vegetables -- they collected to see out the lean seasons.
But while searching for obsidian one day in the same area where his brothers disappeared, Pinay is accosted by a golden eagle. The eagle gives him a dire warning: follow, or die just like his brothers. And so begins Pinay's difficult journey to Grandmother Eagle's aerie, where she and her children teach him song and dance and architecture for reasons they will not explain. The only thing keeping Pinay going is the hope that he'll one day be reunited with his loved ones. But will he be able to survive in a world of eagles and other creatures decidedly hostile to humans like himself?
The extraordinary middle grade novel that brings this folk tale to meticulous life would be valuable enough on its own for disseminating a tradition suppressed by, you guessed it, colonizers. It also weaves the anthropological details of diet and habitat in and around the Arctic Circle into its narrative, providing fascinating insight into what it takes to survive in such hostile conditions. But Ms Hopson makes Eagle Drums so much more than just a myth or a handbook. She really makes Pinay's ordeal palpable as he wrestles with his thoughts and feelings, mourning his brothers and longing to see his parents once more. Following along as he ultimately makes excellent, if difficult, choices is a life-affirming experience, one that emphasizes the need for hope and kindness and community even in the face of bleakness and loss -- all the things our Thanksgivings ought to celebrate and encourage.
The afterword was also illuminating, as Ms Hopson talks about her background and what compelled her to write (and gorgeously illustrate!) this terrific book. I'm really glad I had a chance to read it over Thanksgiving, and hope you'll be able to add it to your reading lists, for any time of year, too.
Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson was published September 12 2023 by Roaring Brook Press and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
11/24/2023 For the longest time, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. It's an occasion for people to gather and reflect on all the things they're thankful for, which is in my opinion the most meaningful reason people can come together. But then, ofc, I learned about the American holiday's terrible origins in colonization and betrayal, whitewashed over the years to make the day more palatable to larger, more gullible swathes of the populace, amongst whose number I had once been.
While I'm still grateful for the ability for loved ones to get together and count our blessings, I also think that it's important for those of us who live here in the United States of America -- and by extension Canada -- to acknowledge and honor the First People who shared their bounty with others, asking nothing in return (and in far too many cases getting less than nothing, or receiving just outright cruelty or evil in exchange.) So I'm really glad that Nasugraq Rainey Hopson wrote this book, that talks about the origins of the Inupiaq Messenger Feast, a tradition of several native tribes of Alaska that has much in common with the modern celebration of Thanksgiving.
As legend has it, Pinay was the youngest of three brothers who lived with their parents in a rich part of the North. One by one, his older brothers disappeared, leaving him only an ornately carved bow hewn by the eldest and decorated by the middle brother with scenes indicating good hunting. Pinay himself grew to be an expert hunter, honoring the land and working with his parents to store the the food -- meat, fish and vegetables -- they collected to see out the lean seasons.
But while searching for obsidian one day in the same area where his brothers disappeared, Pinay is accosted by a golden eagle. The eagle gives him a dire warning: follow, or die just like his brothers. And so begins Pinay's difficult journey to Grandmother Eagle's aerie, where she and her children teach him song and dance and architecture for reasons they will not explain. The only thing keeping Pinay going is the hope that he'll one day be reunited with his loved ones. But will he be able to survive in a world of eagles and other creatures decidedly hostile to humans like himself?
The extraordinary middle grade novel that brings this folk tale to meticulous life would be valuable enough on its own for disseminating a tradition suppressed by, you guessed it, colonizers. It also weaves the anthropological details of diet and habitat in and around the Arctic Circle into its narrative, providing fascinating insight into what it takes to survive in such hostile conditions. But Ms Hopson makes Eagle Drums so much more than just a myth or a handbook. She really makes Pinay's ordeal palpable as he wrestles with his thoughts and feelings, mourning his brothers and longing to see his parents once more. Following along as he ultimately makes excellent, if difficult, choices is a life-affirming experience, one that emphasizes the need for hope and kindness and community even in the face of bleakness and loss -- all the things our Thanksgivings ought to celebrate and encourage.
The afterword was also illuminating, as Ms Hopson talks about her background and what compelled her to write (and gorgeously illustrate!) this terrific book. I'm really glad I had a chance to read it over Thanksgiving, and hope you'll be able to add it to your reading lists, for any time of year, too.
Eagle Drums by Nasugraq Rainey Hopson was published September 12 2023 by Roaring Brook Press and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
July 31, 2024
"This story of the Messenger Feast was passed down orally from generation to generation for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years among the Iñupiat of the Arctic Circle. Their stories, songs and dances and the feast were essentially banned by the missionaries because of their association with Inuit culture." The people fought for their right to restore the practice of their culture. Among the many renewed stories is the one about the boy kidnapped by eagles, whose mission is to bring singing, drumming, and dancing back to the people without the fear of strangers, emphasizing living in community and harmony with connections to nature, spiritual beings, and human relatives.
Young Ping (Sorry, I don't know to create the ng combination one letter used in the Iñupiat language.) is given much responsibility for hunting down large animals for food to bring back to his parents after the sad disappearances of his two older brothers. Smart and clear-thinking, the boy has wisdom beyond his years. One fateful day, the boy is accosted and kidnapped by a huge eagle that shape-shifts into the form of a man named Savik. The boy is flown high into the mountains where they walk for forty-five days to the remote home of the eagle people where Savik introduces the boy to his show no mercy mother, Eagle Mother. The boy is put to work and is told if he wants to live to see his parents again and avoid death, as faced by his missing brothers, he must agree to learn three things to bring to his parents and the community he will create
A quick learner, the boy proves he is up to the task. "I learned not to lead with demands. I learned to lead with connections. And next time I will remember that not everyone will like me, but not everyone has to like me to fulfill a goal." After much preparation, the boy is ready to spread his message: drums, songs, stories; build safe, solid homes; interact with other people, especially strangers.
After being away for fourteen moons, the boy returns to his family. After sharing news of his incredible experiences, he and his family begin preparation for a huge feast to take place the year after next. They will provide shelter, food, song and dance. His mission is to teach and to build.
For a year, the boy battles the freezing cold and starvation to walk the vast land in search of people to invite to the feast. Eagle Mother supplies surreptitious help along the way. The feast, which now takes place annually, is a huge success. Eagle Mother has gifted the Iñupiaq people connections—"they would never again be alone."
Well-written. Easy to read. A wonderful way to learn about the rich culture of a people.
Please let me know your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at elainewrites@earthlink.net.
I wish you all a life inspired by the wonder of the world around us. May you find and live your truth, in harmony with people, nature and the environment. May you be a force for good and a source of love and comfort. May the world be a better place for you having lived and loved here.
All rights reserved 2024
August 15, 2023
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 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.
September 21, 2023
Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson’s Eagle Drums is an atmospheric middle grade novel that invites readers into the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast origin story.
A young hunter sets off to gather obsidian from the mountains, promising his parents he won’t meet the same destiny as his brothers, whatever fate that kept them from returning. But on his journey, a golden eagle swoops down and takes the shape of a man. This eagle offers the young hunter a choice: come with the eagle-man, or die like the hunter’s brothers.
Unwilling to leave his parents mourning another son, the young hunter follows the eagle-man on a long journey to the home of the eagles, where he is told he can return home after he learns all they need to teach him.
This lyrical story transports readers back in time, to an undisclosed place in history when people lived separately from one another, forgoing community due to fear of strangers.
The atmospheric tone allows Hopson to craft the eagle-people such that the hunter and reader are aware of their power in a somewhat frightening way while also layering in the understanding that the hunter, and by extension the reader, should also be in relationship with these creatures.
The balance of action and description keeps the story moving at a fast pace while also taking the time to tell this story the way it is meant to be shared. This beautiful tale has traditional Iñupiaq folklore, culture, and story influences. It’s adventurous while also teaching the qualities that make the hunter the right person for the job– even if he’s still a child. His adherence to cultural teachings, how he honors animals while hunting, his willingness to help wherever he can– each character trait showed he was capable and worthy of the task set before him.
The heart of this story is family and community. The importance of learning, gathering, sharing, and celebrating is emphasized. The young hero’s willingness to work hard, learning and practicing each skill the eagle people teach him, so that he can return to his family is beautiful. His loyalty to his parents and to the eagle-people is rewarded with the community they find while hosting the Messenger Feast.
Thank you to the author, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for an e-ARC such that I could share my honest opinion.
A young hunter sets off to gather obsidian from the mountains, promising his parents he won’t meet the same destiny as his brothers, whatever fate that kept them from returning. But on his journey, a golden eagle swoops down and takes the shape of a man. This eagle offers the young hunter a choice: come with the eagle-man, or die like the hunter’s brothers.
Unwilling to leave his parents mourning another son, the young hunter follows the eagle-man on a long journey to the home of the eagles, where he is told he can return home after he learns all they need to teach him.
This lyrical story transports readers back in time, to an undisclosed place in history when people lived separately from one another, forgoing community due to fear of strangers.
The atmospheric tone allows Hopson to craft the eagle-people such that the hunter and reader are aware of their power in a somewhat frightening way while also layering in the understanding that the hunter, and by extension the reader, should also be in relationship with these creatures.
The balance of action and description keeps the story moving at a fast pace while also taking the time to tell this story the way it is meant to be shared. This beautiful tale has traditional Iñupiaq folklore, culture, and story influences. It’s adventurous while also teaching the qualities that make the hunter the right person for the job– even if he’s still a child. His adherence to cultural teachings, how he honors animals while hunting, his willingness to help wherever he can– each character trait showed he was capable and worthy of the task set before him.
The heart of this story is family and community. The importance of learning, gathering, sharing, and celebrating is emphasized. The young hero’s willingness to work hard, learning and practicing each skill the eagle people teach him, so that he can return to his family is beautiful. His loyalty to his parents and to the eagle-people is rewarded with the community they find while hosting the Messenger Feast.
Thank you to the author, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for an e-ARC such that I could share my honest opinion.
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