"A rare and beautiful book. It's a short read that nonetheless makes many far-reaching connections, like a folk tale or a legend, wrapped in a tough but straightforward narrative, leaving echoes that linger long after and in unanticipated ways. a rich and nuanced enactment of a perspective and a mode of storytelling that surprises as much as it reveals." -- The Washington Post "Edwardson treads an elegant line in her perspective: Blessing is both an insider--Iñupiaq--and an outsider still learning exactly what that means. It's a perspective that allows any reader in, and they'll learn much about the power of stories and names and how to use them both." -- Kirkus Reviews * "Concrete and symbolic references to the transforming power of language, names, and stories link the two narratives, but it's the Nutaaqs' rhythmic, indelible voices--both as steady and elemental as the beat of a drum or a heart--that will move readers most. A unique, powerful debut." -- Booklist , starred review "The community's sharing of a whale adds color, as do the authentic imagery, details, and language that pervade this memorable story.

" -- The Horn Book "Blessing makes an emotional journey of self-discovery, as Edwardson weaves a fascinating portrait of a family's rich history." -- Publishers Weekly "This unique and fascinating tale is told in an evocative voice that includes Village English, school English, Native language, and colloquialisms." -- School Library Journal "Atmospheric yet restrained, this is a moving account of what's changed and what remains in Inupiaq life." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "This heartwarming story is richly told in the tradition of storytelling its characters grow up in and come to love." -- ALAN Online Top Ten Historical Novels for Youth, Booklist Top Ten First Novels for Youth, Booklist Best Fiction for Young Adults, American Library Association (ALA) Notable Books for a Global Society, International Literacy Association (ILA) Junior Library Guild selection Virginia Reader's Choice selection.