Eagle Drums

By: Nasugraq Rainey Hopson

Narrated by: Irene Bedard

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 choice: 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.

A great story told beautifully

I have grown up hearing the shorter forgotten version of this story and I am so happy to hear Rainey writing it down, as most stories were passed on through spoken word. She illustrates the story so well with details of the culture. Thankful that this tale has been solidified in written text and narrated so wonderfully.

Fabulous

Great family story steeped in deep wisdom and folly. A hero’s journey with rich descriptions and shared knowledge

Eagle Drums is a Treasure

Nasugraq Rainey Hopson wrote a masterful story for Inupiat, other Alaska Natives, and other readers to enjoy for generations. As a Sugpiaq person from Kodiak it was wonderful to be immersed in her story world and Inupiaq cosmology and traditions. Quyanaa

the horrible lead

i liked nothing that stood out and that if i were to change anything it would be that the eagle mother had more action