Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical, harrowing, heart-filled Alaska origin story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
With harsh winter looming, EAGLE DRUMS finds young Native Alaskan hunter Piŋa facing a challenge that's already taken the lives of his two older brothers: climbing to the top of a mountain to gather obsidian, which his family needs for stone tools and weapons. Once there, like his brothers before him, he's attacked by a huge golden eagle—actually Savik, a god, who gives him a choice: Die like your brothers, or come along with me. After a long, hard journey, they reach the eagles' home—where Piŋa's life-changing lessons are about to begin, and where home is very far away.
Is It Any Good?
Iñupiaq author-illustrator Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson spins a wondrous, harrowing, heart-filled tale of a young Alaskan hunter abducted by an eagle god and made to learn about song, storytelling, and connection. In lyrical narrative and vivid, appealing, full-color illustrations, Eagle Drums immerses the reader in young Piŋa's adventures (some terrifying, some heartbreaking, some funny) in a perilous world where no human has gone before, and also in its many lessons.
"Boy, you have to stop thinking of yourself as alone in your tasks. Why would you do things alone when you can accomplish so much more with help? ... Sometimes all it takes is to say it. To say out loud what you need."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about new retellings of old, old traditional tales, like Eagle Drums, and why those old tales still thrill and inspire new audiences today. Are there any other stories from ancient myth that you really like? What are they, and why do you like them?
Many myths involve the youngest sibling succeeding where the older ones have failed (or maybe perished). What other stories like this do you know, and why do you think it's such a popular theme?
Do you and your family, or you and your friends, have stories you tell over and over so often that they're just part of who you are? What are they?
What does Piŋa learn about empathy and communication on his journey to the Messenger Feast? Why are these character strengths important to his survival, his family, and his community? Are they important to you? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson
- Genre : Folklore
- Topics : Adventures , Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : September 12, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
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