The author’s debut novel has gained recognition for its exploration of Indigenous history, earning multiple awards and praise for its research and storytelling.
United States, 13th Sep 2024, – My Place Among Them by J. Stanion has recently reached the top of overseas bestselling lists. The historical fiction novel tells the story of John Iron Horse, a 12-year-old Lakota boy who survived the Wounded Knee Massacre. It focuses on the U.S. government’s Indian Education program and the efforts to assimilate Indigenous children into white society.
The book has earned numerous awards including the following: 2024 BREW Seal of Excellence, 2024 Silver Medal Global Book Award for Cultural Heritage Fiction, 2024 Pencraft Award for Best Book for Fiction – Cultural, 2023 BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award for Political Fiction of the Year, 2023 NYC Big Book Award for Cultural Heritage, Finalist in the 2023 Laramie Book Awards for Americana Fiction, Finalist in the 2023 Goethe Book Awards for Post-1750s Historical Fiction, Second Place in the 2023 Incipere Book Award for Historical Clean Fiction, 2023 Outstanding Creator Awards Top 25 Ranked Non-Fiction Books, and 2023 HFC “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award.
The novel has been praised for its historical detail and treatment of complex themes. The Chrysalis BREW Project called the book “engaging and well-researched” and highlighted its ability to give readers “a closer look into a period that is often romanticized yet seldom understood in its full complexity.”
The Historical Fiction Company gave it a 5-star rating, noting that Stanion “has created a touching novel that does Indigenous history justice.”
Madelyn Rohrer, author of Children of the Edict, described the book as “a riveting read of conflict and resistance, hardships and perseverance,” while Bud Shapard, retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, called it “a well-written, most enjoyable read” for those interested in Old West narratives.
Stanion’s dedication to accuracy and storytelling is evident in her process. She consulted with tribal elders and other experts to ensure cultural details were correct. Speaking about this effort, she stated, “I reached out to tribal elders and other Lakota references for confirmation that my great-grandfather’s details were accurate.”
In My Place Among Them, J. Stanion presents a narrative steeped in Indigenous history and culture. As she shared in an exclusive interview with FOX 40, “To be honest, it was only the commitment to my father that inspired me to become a published author.” She further noted, “My promise to my father was the single driving force behind the hours it took to complete my first novel.” J. Stanion transitioned to writing after a 31-year teaching career. She completed the novel based on a manuscript left by her great-grandfather, fulfilling a promise made to her late father. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Before he died of cancer, I promised my dad I would get it done.”
J. Stanion’s deep connection to Indigenous art forms, particularly Lakota Ledger art and Pine Ridge Pottery, plays a vital role in her storytelling. In a recent interview with Vents Magazine, Stanion shared how these art forms ground her creative process: “To touch a piece of art, such as pottery, is to know that another human also touched that piece, creating it somewhere in a world where I didn’t exist. I feel a connection to that person when I see or touch their work.” This connection is evident throughout My Place Among Them, where Stanion’s characters reflect the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.
Stanion also emphasized that her book reflects a “deep respect for the people who lived on this continent prior to the white man’s arrival,” exploring themes of resilience and courage. My Place Among Them has gained attention for its exploration of Indigenous history and government policies. As Stanion works on her second novel, readers continue to engage with the powerful themes presented in her first work. In her The World’s Best Magazine interview, she said “It is very important for me to preserve and highlight cultural histories because I believe that cultural identity has intrinsic value, that cultural differences have helped individual societies survive and succeed in their own place over time, and that in those differences we may find the keys to help all people survive as the world changes around us.”
The book is available in digital, paperback, and hardbound editions through major retailer sites such as Amazon. Visit J. Stanion’s website for more details via www.jstanion.com.
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