55 pages • 1 hour read
Rebecca RoanhorseRace to the Sun
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay discovers she can detect monsters, leading her on a quest to rescue her kidnapped father from the evil Mr. Charles. With her brother Mac and friend Davery, Nizhoni seeks Spider Woman and weapons to defeat the shapeshifting monsters, paralleling the Navajo hero twins' tale. The narrative discusses racist rhetoric, violence, and parental abandonment, and it references anti-gay rhetoric.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Rebecca Roanhorse's Race to the Sun captivates readers with its blend of Navajo mythology and modern adventure. Praises highlight its strong lead character and cultural authenticity. However, some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it is lauded for its compelling narrative and diverse representation, making it a vivid read for middle graders.
Who Should Read Race to the Sun?
A reader who enjoys Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse is typically a middle-grade student who revels in fast-paced fantasy adventures with strong, diverse protagonists. Fans of Rick Riordan's works, particularly his Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, will find similar appeal in Roanhorse's Navajo mythology-inspired narrative.