ELATSOE BY DARCIE LITTLE BADGER

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Darcie Little Badger. (2020). Elatsoe. Levine Querido. B. PLOT SUMMARY Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger is a fantasy novel that follows Ellie, a Lipan Apache teenager who can summon the ghosts of dead animals. When her cousin Trevor dies suddenly, his ghost appears to her in a dream and reveals that he was murdered. Determined to uncover the truth, Ellie and her family travel to the mysterious town of Willowbee, where they find themselves caught in a web of secrets, lies, and dark magic. As Ellie investigates, she uncovers a powerful evil tied to her cousin’s death and to the town itself. With the help of her loyal ghost dog, Kirby, and the strength of her Indigenous heritage, Ellie stands up against corruption and supernatural danger. The novel creatively blends modern life with traditional Lipan Apache stories, creating a rich and meaningful tale about courage, justice, and cultural identity. C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger is a mix of modern fiction and Indigenous folklore that explores identity, family, and justice. The book really stands out because it centers Lipan Apache culture, showing traditions, history, and values in a way that feels natural and meaningful. The story includes traditional Apache storytelling, the importance of ancestral spirits, and respect for animals as part of the natural and spiritual world. Elatsoe’s power to raise animal ghosts isn’t just for show, it reflects her connection to her ancestors and her responsibility to protect her community. The story also deals with serious topics like injustice and remembering the past, while keeping readers hooked with suspense and mystery. Little Badger’s description of Willowbee makes the town feel real and eerie, which adds to the tension of the story. Some parts slow down because of cultural explanations or backstory, but they help the reader understand why Ellie acts the way she does and make her journey feel more important. Ellie herself is a strong, relatable character, balancing bravery and vulnerability, and characters like her ghost dog Kirby add charm and emotion without distracting from the main story. Elatsoe is both an exciting supernatural mystery and a thoughtful look at Indigenous identity, giving readers a story that’s thrilling, meaningful, and full of heart. D. REVIEW EXCERPTS BOOKLIST (STARRED): “A fresh voice and perspective.” BOOKPAGE (STARRED): “A unique and powerful Native American voice.” KIRKUS (STARRED): “A brilliant, engaging debut.” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (STARRED): “A fast-paced murder mystery.” E. CONNECTIONS Readers who value family or have ties to their own heritage may relate to Elatsoe’s strong connection to her ancestors and her sense of responsibility to protect her loved ones. Those interested in exploring cultural identity can connect with how she balances her Lipan Apache traditions in a modern world. Readers who care about justice and standing up for what’s right may also connect with her determination to uncover the truth and fight wrongdoing.