Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Content Tags: Murder, Death, Racism, Fantasy

Description from Storygraph:

Imagine an America very similar to our own. It's got homework, best friends, and pistachio ice cream. 

There are some differences. This America been shaped dramatically by the magic, monsters, knowledge, and legends of its peoples, those Indigenous and those not. Some of these forces are charmingly everyday, like the ability to make an orb of light appear or travel across the world through rings of fungi. But other forces are less charming and should never see the light of day. 

Elatsoe lives in this slightly stranger America. She can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her Lipan Apache family. Her beloved cousin has just been murdered, in a town that wants no prying eyes. But she is going to do more than pry. The picture-perfect facade of Willowbee masks gruesome secrets, and she will rely on her wits, skills, and friends to tear off the mask and protect her family. 

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This book was a little bit fantasy and a lot reality. I really appreciated the way that the fantastical elements did not detract from the focus of the plot and the Indigenous culture that was so central to the story. The writing was smooth and shifted so seamlessly between serious moments and levity. In particular, I appreciated that the story featured an Asexual character and the focus of the story was the story. 

Elatsoe (eh-lat-SOE-ay) and her best friend, Jay, were brilliantly written. Their energies played off one another well and I loved the banter between them. Each character had such unique voices and I enjoyed how they all interacted together.

Book Reflection Wrap-up:

What was your favorite part of the book?

My favorite part was how this book seems very similar to many YA books while simultaneously introducing very heavy historical topics thereby educating while storytelling. 

Which scene has stuck with you the most?

Pretty much every scene where Elatsoe and Jay demonstrate their bond. There are a couple scenes where either of them are going to be in some sort of danger and neither hesitate to be there for support. And one scene in particular Elatsoe tells Jay it's not necessary for him to put himself in danger and he says, "Neither are socks, but I choose to wear them! Happily! It's my choice." I loved that they had this silly banter and communication style even in the midst of pretty significant danger.

Added to TBR: November 2021 

Removed from TBR: July 2023