Badge of Honor by Karen Glinski
2023 North Street Book Prize: First Prize, Middle Grade
Emerson’s summer starts with a clash of cultures, then takes a sharp turn after he discovers a stolen bag of native jewelry and a gold Code Talker medal. A gang of thieves badly wants these items back. Conflicted between returning the loot to its rightful owners and selling it to buy electronics he covets, Emerson's hesitation places himself, his dachshund, Lucky, and his Grandpa Charlie, a Navajo elder, in danger as the thieves close in.
Awards
- North Street Book Prize: First Prize, Middle Grade
- New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards Finalist, Middle Grade Fiction
- Eric Hoffer Award Honorable Mention, Middle Grade Reader
- New Mexico Press Women Zia Award, First Place, Youth Books
North Street critique by Jendi Reiter
"Glinski understands what appeals to this age group, especially boys. The book has a strong moral framework, but is not preachy. Emerson's journey of maturity arises naturally from the exciting perils he faces along the way. The action was suspenseful but not too scary. Lucky is an endearing character whose bravery and intelligence make up for her small size. The animal-human bond is a great way to delve into a tween's emotional life when relationships with peers and parents have become complicated, awkward, and fast-changing...I learned a lot about Navajo culture, and I think it's great for readers of all ages to see traditional indigenous lifeways integrated into modern life. It would be a good pick for school libraries and classroom book clubs."
Book review by Maria A. Hughes, The US Review of Books
"Glinski weaves an exciting adventure interspersed with Navajo history that will hook young readers from the first chapter. The author has penned an action-packed tale, chock-full of important life lessons and relatable characters. It is a must-read for those who are fans of adventure, mystery, and Navajo culture."
5-star Amazon customer review
"This is the third in Karen's series of adventures which take young Emerson and his dog Lucky into mysteries full of intrigue, danger and lessons. It lives up to the promise delivered by her first two books."
