Eagle Drums

Eagle Drums. By Nasugraq Rainey Hopson. Ulus, by the author. 2023. 256p. Roaring Brook, $18.99 (9781250750655). Gr. 4-7.

Pina, a young Iñupiat hunter on a journey to the mountains to collect obsidian, meets a magical golden eagle, Savik. Rather than be killed by the shape-shifter (as were his older brothers), Pina agrees to accompany Savik to his aerie, where Eagle Mother schools Pina with lessons in song, dance, qalgi (sod-house) construction, and community. Eventually Pina returns to his family, where he is tasked with sharing what he has learned and preparing a celebratory meal (called the Messenger's Feast) to bring his people together. This folkloric origin myth offers many details about traditional Native Alaskan life, particularly ways to live off the land. Iñupiat Hopson's smoothly written prose is infused with many Native words, and though no glossary is included, context clues make most meanings clear. Full-color illustrations (one per chapter) help readers to visualize the characters and Alaskan tundra setting, and elegant spot drawings grace chapter headings and section breaks. In her debut, Hopson offers a culturally specific survival story that should have much appeal; an author's note clarifies the source for this tale. -Kay Weisman