Roots and Rhythms

Tradition. Music. First love. And the courage to stand between worlds.

Sixteen-year-old Mariah Yazzie has always felt the beat of two hearts—one rooted in her Diné (Navajo) heritage and the other chasing the rhythm of modern life. When she returns to her grandmother’s reservation for the summer, she expects dust, chores, and boredom—not a chance to rediscover who she really is.

Then she meets Aiden: thoughtful, talented, and quietly proud of his culture. Together, they navigate the summer’s vibrant powwows, late-night drum circles, and the stories passed down through generations. As Mariah reconnects with her roots, she also begins to fall—for the music, the land, and maybe even Aiden.

But when family secrets surface and the pull of two worlds threatens to tear her apart, Mariah must find her own rhythm—one that honors where she comes from and where she’s going.

Roots and Rhythms is a soulful, heartwarming young adult romance about identity, community, and the quiet power of choosing your own path.