An arresting debut novel about a young Native American boy in a splintering family grasping for stability and love, and making all the wrong choices, until he finds a space of his own; from a gifted writer eager to give voice to the people of his community.

"A young Native American boy in a splintering family grasps for stability and love, making all the wrong choices until he finds a space of his own"--

“The characters that populate Calling for a Blanket Dance are real, amazing, vulnerable and beautiful in their flaws and, even despair—Oscar Hokeah unveils their suffering and joy, their struggle to live with honor, care for family, walk right. What an accomplishment. Few writers have the courage or craft to pull this off. Hokeah beats the drum and stomps, announcing his power is back, the people have returned with powerful stories. He weaves a tale that is unforgettable and fortifying. I couldn't put the book down.”
—Jimmy Santiago Baca, author of A Place to Stand
 
“Calling for a Blanket Dance is a stunning novel. Oscar Hokeah writes from deep inside the heart of his communities, bringing life to generations of voices who became so real to me they felt like relatives. The reader can't help but invest in each character as they navigate bitter challenges, sometimes surprising themselves with their strength, their ability to survive and love. Hokeah's prose gorgeously weaves authentic local vernacular with the lyrical notes of hard-won insight. This novel belongs on every recommended booklist for fans of literary fiction.”
—Susan Power, author of The Grass Dancer