Elatsoe

Bibliography

Little Badger, D. (2023). ELATSOE. Illustrated by R. Cai. Lantern Paperbacks. ISBN: 978-1-64614-276-7.

Plot Summary

ELATSOE follows a 17-year-old Lipan Apache girl, Ellie, who is living in an alternate version of America where ghosts, monsters, vampires, and magic exist. Ellie raises the ghost of dead animals, a gift that was passed down through generations of her family. However, Ellie's cousin dies and visits her in a dream. Ellie does not believe his death was an accident and begins to investigate. Uncovering dangerous secrets, Ellie begins an adventure to uncover the truth with the help of her ghost dog, best friend, and family.

Critical Analysis

ELATSOE is a fantastical fiction centered on an indigenous main character. Taking place in a modern American setting and adding supernatural elements, it engages readers in an imaginative story that is not too confusing. Including the mystery makes it even more engaging for readers as the death pushes the plot forward. 

One of the most wholesome fantasy elements is Ellie's ability to raise the ghosts of dead animals, giving her her own ghost dog, Kirby. Their relationship adds warmth, humor, and an emotional connection most readers can relate to. Her power isn't used just for entertainment and excitement. It connects her to the generations of family the ability was passed down from. 

The investigation gives a lot of suspense to this book. Elle is searching for both real-world clues and supernatural ones to figure out what happened. It intertwines the fantasy world with modern American beautifully to allow readers to not get confused by the magic. 

Author Darcie Little Badger is Lipan Apache, giving ELATSOE authenticity to the culture. Ellie's native background isn't an ornament nor built with stereotypes. She is told by the author in a more meaningful way. Connecting the magic to family storytelling and inherited tradition is a great representation of the culture.

Rovina Cai's illustrations give the story a mysterious, ghostly feeling with the black-and-white artwork. It emphasizes the supernatural tone, making it more atmospheric, rather than taking over the storytelling.

Overall, this is a great YA fantastical fiction centered on Native American culture. It blends the fantasy, mystery, and culture in an engaging, respectful way. 

Review Excerpts

"This groundbreaking introduction to the fantasy genre remains relevant to Native histories even as it imaginatively looks to the future. Educates about settler colonialism while also entertaining with paranormal twists." Kirkus, starred review.

"Older readers raised on series like the Spiderwick Chronicles or Artemis Fowl will delight in Ellies tongue-in-cheek, self-assured voice, as well as her adventures with the mystical and magical elements that run through her lineage." Booklist, starred review.

Connections

Teachers can use this book during a fantasy fiction unit to analyze world building and supernatural elements. The focus can be on mystery as well. Students can also analyze how Ellie's powers are connected to her family stories and create their versions of power based off their own family history.