Young child reading a book. Photo Courtesy of Daria Shevtsova via Pexels.
The Pasadena Public Library invites all third to fifth graders on Friday, November 13, to join them in a virtual discussion to learn more about the Navajo Nation with a reading of “Race to the Sun” by Rebecca Roanhorse.
“Race to the Sun,” published in January by Rick Riordan Presents, tells the story of seventh-grader Nizhoni Begay and how she has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game, who turns out to be Mr. Charles, her dad’s new boss at the oil and gas company. Mr. Charles is 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.
Friday’s event is free and is a great opportunity for younger children to learn about the importance of other cultures and how they contribute to today’s world. Library staff advised kids to read the book ahead of time. To let them know you’d like to join and to get a copy of the book, email Ann Marie Kolakowski, akolakowski@cityofpasadena.net. Further instructions on how to join will be included in the email.
To register, go to www.cityofpasadena.net/library/calendar/ and click on the November 13, 3:00 p.m. tab.
