LEGENDARY FRYBREAD DRIVE-IN: INTERTRIBAL STORIES, By Kaua Mahoe Adams, Marcella Bell, Angeline Boulley, K. A. Cobell, A. J. Eversole, Jen Ferguson, Eric Gansworth, Byron Graves, Kate Hart, Christine Hartman Derr, Karina Iceberg, Cheryl Isaacs, Darcie Little Badger, David A. Robertson, Andrea L. Rogers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Brian Young, Heartdrum, Aug. 26, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)
Legendary Frybread Drive-In is a YA intertribal anthology where stories share the common thread of Sandy June’s Legendary Fry Bread Drive-In.
The road to Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June’s serves up more than food: it hosts live music, movie nights, unexpected family reunions, love long lost, and love found again.
That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most. —Synopsis provided by Heartdrum
Legendary Frybread Drive-In is a celebration of magical realism and Native pride. It’s a beautiful collection that feels cohesive while each voice remains unique. These stories belong together and sing on their own.
As a non-Native reader, I found the stories moving and accessible. They left me feeling better for having read them and made me want to read more from the impressive array of writers.
As is the case with anthologies, some pieces resonated more than others, but they’re all good.
Legendary Frybread Drive-In is written for young adults, but adults will find it just as moving. It’s a great collection.
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