Eddie (Dakota) arrives at his maternal grandparents’ home on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota where he will spend several weeks while his father recovers from surgery in the city. While Eddie has spent time with his grandparents before, he is anxious about being separated from his parents for the first time. He is quickly and lovingly brought into his grandparents’ daily routines, many of which are new to Eddie since they live without electricity or running water. Eddie assists with weeding in the garden and takes care of Buck, his grandfather’s horse. Grandpa offers Eddie a set of bone horses to play with to pass the time on the long summer days. The bone horses are made from old cow vertebra, but Grandpa explains that their people traditionally used bison bones. With a bit of wire, leather, and some cardboard boxes, Eddie creates riders and a corral for his new figurines. When Grandpa is injured and Grandma can’t get the car started, Eddie rides Buck to the general store to get help. By the end of his stay, he has a closer relationship with his grandparents and an appreciation for their reservation life and values. Happy to see his parents, Eddie departs with a newfound resilience and his treasured bone horses. Based on the author’s brother’s experience as a child, the end matter also includes a photo of bone horses. Colorful, stylized line drawings and spot art complete this warm family story.

A Lakota child spends a summer with grandparents at their home on the Rosebud Reservation in this young chapter book, illustrated in full-color.

Multiple starred reviews! "A captivating tale about the healing power of community and familial bonds. Infused with tenderness, this family story is simply lovely."(Kirkus starred review)

This charming chapter book follows a present-day Lakota child connecting with extended family, embracing new experiences, and growing up along the way.

When Eddie’s parents drive from the Black Hills to the Dakota plains to drop him off with Grandpa and Grandma High Elk, Eddie aches all over at the thought of being away from Mom and Dad for the first time.

But quickly, Eddie’s stay on the Rosebud Reservation becomes a summer that he’ll never forget as he spends his days riding horses, fishing, helping Grandma in her garden, and playing with the toy bone horses that his grandfather gave him. When his grandfather is hurt and needs medical attention, Eddie steps up and helps him get the care he needs.