Jay Jones

A Bilagáana Boy Among the Navajo was an intriguing read. I was fascinated to see how a white child would be accepted and adopted into the Navajo way of life. Author Jay Jones does a wonderful job of explaining his innermost thoughts at the time and his fear of moving across the country to an alien environment with a mother he didn’t understand and a stepfather he didn’t know. As adults, we always tell ourselves that children are resilient and can cope with any change but we gloss over the fear and trepidation that this change generates in young minds and hearts. For me, the best summary of the unwritten guilt Jay felt at being white was his anecdote about watching cowboys and Indians movies on television with his young Navajo friend. Perhaps what is so bittersweet about Jay’s journey was how he constantly felt he straddled two lives, two cultures, and yet never truly belonged to either, which was perfectly illustrated when he finally rejoined his father. This is a thought-provoking read that I highly recommend. -Grant Leishman. Author of eleven books.

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A Bilagáana Boy Among the Navajo is a great read. I can’t imagine what it must have taken to write down the darkest four years of one's life as Jay Jones has done. This book is well written and I felt like I was stepping into Jay's shoes and experiencing Indigenous culture firsthand as a white person. Jay didn’t shy away from describing the far-from-comfortable conditions. I appreciated the details that showed how much this period of his life affected him. I also loved that he included images in the book. This helps draw the reader in even more, showing a young Jay and those around him as well as the places he visited and saw, giving a clearer picture of his life during this period. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to tell others about it. -Tiffany Ferrell

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Jay Jones' vivid descriptions allow us to share in his intriguing, cultural observations. Imagine seeing native festivities involving horse-drawn wagons and men in native dress pounding drums. The story maintains a good pace, captivating readers with a variety of experiences and interests, ranging from schooling and overcoming feelings of being unwelcome at home to enjoying outdoor activities with the Boy Scouts. Prepare to meet many memorable and peculiar characters, including the teacher known as Mr. Sherman, the punisher of disobedient students. Overall, A Bilagáana Boy Among the Navajo is highly entertaining and compelling. It's also a well-narrated memoir that captures the negative effects of racism and the seriousness of broken homes. It had me smiling at a child's adventures, feeling strongly for its protagonist, and thinking deeply about different aspects of society. -Foluso Falaye

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A Bilagáana Boy among the Navajo is a captivating story that imparts valuable lessons about the complexities of life and relationships. This book transports readers to the 1960s, offering a view of societal prejudices and the struggle for identity during a time of significant cultural change. Jay Jones' journey is filled with ups and downs that many readers will resonate with. His ability to navigate trauma and adapt to a new environment reveals the resilience needed to forge one's identity amidst adversity. The memoir highlights misconceptions held by the Navajo people regarding whites and challenges the false narrative often associated with Native American cultures. One of the most touching aspects of the story is the treatment of Jay’s mentally disabled brother, Don, by others and the institution where he resides. This portrayal exposes the stark realities and prejudices faced by individuals with disabilities at that time. The author also provides insight into his life after leaving the reservation, underscoring how his experiences shaped his understanding of culture, identity, and community. Overall, this is a compelling read, and I recommend it to anyone interested in personal narratives that explore themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the intersection of different cultures. -Luwi Nyakansaila

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