Seneca, South Carolina, United States, 25th Sep 2024, -
My Place Among Them, the debut novel by J. Stanion, has been awarded the 2023 NYC Big Book Award for Cultural Heritage. This recognition highlights the novel’s contribution to the exploration of Indigenous history and the complex dynamics of cultural identity during a critical period in U.S. history.
The novel portrays John Iron Horse, a twelve-year-old survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre, who is forced into the U.S. government’s Indian Education program. The novel follows John’s journey as he strives to preserve his Lakota identity while facing a boarding school system designed to assimilate Indigenous children.
The story also features Carter Heath, a teacher at the boarding school who initially views his role through a lens of indifference but later becomes an advocate for his Indigenous students. The novel explores the evolving relationship between John and Carter as they confront the discriminatory policies of the school, posing the question, “Can the bond between an extraordinary student and a dedicated teacher survive in a world that pits red man against white?”
J. Stanion emphasized the importance of transcending cultural differences during her The World's Best Magazine interview. “I hope readers will come to believe as I do that the color of one’s skin or individual beliefs should not come between people,” she explained. Through the relationship between her characters John Iron Horse and Carter Heath, she aimed to explore the power of respect and understanding amid political and cultural conflicts.
Similarly, in the Behance article titled “The Art of Collecting: How J. Stanion’s Love for Pottery Fuels Her Creative Spirit,” Glenn Prior reflects on how J. Stanion's passion for Pine Ridge Pottery profoundly influences her writing. Prior notes, “Stanion’s dedication to collecting Indigenous art has become a wellspring of inspiration, deeply infusing her storytelling with cultural authenticity.” He emphasizes how Stanion’s appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind each piece of pottery contributes to the richness of her novel, My Place Among Them. According to Prior, “The tactile connection Stanion feels with the pottery helps her craft narratives that resonate with both historical depth and emotional authenticity.” This blend of art and storytelling highlights how Stanion’s creative process is deeply intertwined with her respect for cultural heritage.
J. Stanion, in an interview, said her admiration for Lakota Ledger art extends beyond its beauty; it serves as a narrative tool in My Place Among Them. In the same Vents Magazine interview, she highlighted how a piece by Quinton Maldonado shaped her character, John: “It is of a Lakota man, swaddled in an American flag...a perfect melding of the conflict the Lakota people in my story must have felt." She also recognized poignant artwork to have helped her communicate the emotional and cultural tensions of her characters, adding depth to the story’s themes of identity and survival.
In addition to the NYC Big Book Award, My Place Among Them has received several other accolades, including the BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award for Political Fiction of the Year 2023 and the BREW Seal of Excellence. The novel’s in-depth research and narrative have earned it recognition for its contribution to cultural heritage and historical fiction.
For more information about the award, visit the NYC Big Book Award website.
The book is available in digital, paperback, and hardbound editions through major retailer sites such as Amazon.
To know more about J. Stanion and her work, visit her official website, www.jstanion.com.
About the Book
Set after the Wounded Knee massacre, My Place Among Them depicts the life of John Iron Horse, who must navigate the U.S. government’s Indian Education program. Through his story, the novel sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Indigenous peoples. The book has earned the BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award 2023 for Political Fiction and BREW Seal of Excellence from The Chrysalis BREW Project, as well as several other honors.
About the Author
J. Stanion, who has appeared on Newsweek, MSN News, and hundreds of news and media sites most recently, transitioned from a 31-year teaching career to become a novelist. Her bestselling and multi-award-winning debut novel, My Place Among Them, honors her great-grandfather’s legacy and looks into Indigenous history. In her free time, Stanion collects ledger art and hand-made turquoise jewelry. She currently resides on her family’s cattle farm, where she is working on her next novel.
