This is the real deal—a YA fantasy that earned its accolades through genuinely original world-building and authentic cultural representation. Darcie Little Badger (who has a PhD in oceanography, because why not) created something special here: a murder mystery where the protagonist can raise ghost animals, set in an alternate America where Indigenous magic is just part of life.

The violence is real and sometimes graphic (that 180-degree head twist will stick with you), so this isn't for sensitive younger readers. But for teens who can handle horror elements, this delivers a compelling mystery wrapped in beautiful cultural specificity. Ellie is a great protagonist—competent, supported by family, asexual without it being A Thing—and the plot moves.

It's also just well-written, which shouldn't be revolutionary but often is in YA. The book doesn't talk down to readers, doesn't info-dump about culture, and doesn't make Ellie's identity a teaching moment. It's simply a cracking good mystery with ghosts, family, and justice. If your teen liked The Raven Boys or anything by Holly Black, hand them this.