FICTION

Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories

HarperCollins/Heartdrum. Aug. 2025. 352p. ed. by Smith, Cynthia Leitich, ed. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780063314269. Gr 8 Up
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Gr 8 Up–Each short story in this anthology follows an Indigenous teen who is in need of something—belonging, help with a task, safety. That something is always found at Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In, a place where people come together from all corners, all times, and all tribes. This amazing place connects the teens in each of the stories, all of which are written by Indigenous authors and have their own unique perspective and style. For example, Darcie Little Badger’s “Game Night” is written in text messages within a D & D gaming platform where the players are talking about the Drive-In and how to find it. “Braving the Storm” by Kaua Mahoe Adams is written in beautiful verse and is about a girl who gets one last chance to visit with her Papa. As readers take in the stories, they will be transported time and time again to Sandy June’s, where the protagonists get more than just frybread. Each teen gets exactly what they need—and readers do too.
VERDICT Hand this collection to any reader who is looking for a place made for them; they will find it between these pages.

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