Eagle Drums

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 is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Messenger’s Feast—which is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq—told with beautiful, full-color art throughout. It’s the story of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, and community.

Born and raised in Alaska, Nasugraq Rainey Hopson is a tribally enrolled Iñupiaq author and illustrator. She holds a BA degree in studio art from Humboldt State University and is a student of philosophy and marine biology. She's had several careers, including documentarian and school teacher, where her focus is always on reclaiming indigenous culture and creativity.