When J. Stanion found her great-grandfather’s century-old manuscript typed on fragile stationery, she knew she was holding a piece of family history. That discovery became the foundation for her award-winning and bestselling novel My Place Among Them, a story that delves deep into the history of America’s Indigenous peoples. This was not just any historical fiction; it was a narrative shaped by her great-grandfather’s experiences and her own passion for storytelling. What began as a family legacy has now intrigued readers and critics alike.
Content
Unearthing a Family Treasure
Stanion’s journey into historical fiction started with a promise to her father to complete and publish her great-grandfather’s unfinished manuscript. The document chronicled life on Native American reservations during the U.S. government’s assimilation efforts, seen through the eyes of a white teacher. Stanion explained, “The original manuscript… was typed on the back of a car dealership’s stationary in 1920. The paper was fragile, the Victorian era writing was verbose and repetitive.” Despite the obstacles, she felt a duty to preserve the story and give it new life.
That manuscript, filled with personal anecdotes and historical observations, became the basis for My Place Among Them. The novel tells the story of John Iron Horse, a Lakota boy who survived the Wounded Knee massacre and faces the challenges of forced assimilation. It is both a tribute to her great-grandfather’s work and a testament to Stanion’s commitment to cultural preservation.
Bringing the Past to Life
Historical fiction can be a tricky genre, requiring careful research and attention to detail to create a world that feels both authentic and compelling. For Stanion, the weight of responsibility was even heavier, as the story was deeply intertwined with her family’s legacy. “I wrote this novel in this setting because the story is based on a manuscript written by my great-grandfather,” Stanion shared.
In order to maintain accuracy, she consulted with Lakota elders and researched extensively to ensure the cultural practices in the novel were portrayed respectfully. The result is a richly detailed narrative that not only tells a compelling story but also educates readers about a crucial period in American history.
Honoring Indigenous History
Through My Place Among Them, Stanion provides a fresh perspective on the complex and often overlooked aspects of Indigenous history. Set in the early 20th century, the novel explores the U.S. government’s Indian Education program, which aimed to assimilate Native children by stripping them of their culture. John Iron Horse, the novel’s protagonist, is caught between his Lakota heritage and the white-dominated society he’s forced to adapt to.
Stanion emphasized the importance of sharing these stories: “I believe that cultural identity has intrinsic value, that cultural differences have helped individual societies survive and succeed in their own place over time.” Her novel reflects this belief, shining a light on the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the impact of government policies on their lives.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Since its publication, My Place Among Them has received widespread recognition for its cultural significance and storytelling. The novel has been honored with several prestigious awards, including:
2024 BREW Seal of Excellence
2024 Silver Medal Global Book Award for Cultural Heritage Fiction
2024 Pencraft Award for Best Book for Fiction – Cultural
Finalist in the 2023 Laramie Book Awards novel competition for Americana Fiction
Finalist in the 2023 Goethe Book Awards novel competition for Post-1750s Historical Fiction
2023 BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award for Political Fiction of the Year
2023 NYC Big Book Award Winner for Cultural Heritage
2023 Outstanding Creator Awards Top 25 Ranked Non-Fiction Books
Second Place in the 2023 Incipere Book Award for Historical Clean category
2023 HFC “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award
These, among other accolades, highlight not only the novel’s literary merit but also its contribution to raising awareness about an important chapter in history.
A Lasting Legacy
For J. Stanion, writing My Place Among Them was not just about fulfilling a promise to her father or reviving her great-grandfather’s work. It was about honoring the past and creating a space for conversations about Indigenous history and cultural preservation. By blending her family’s personal history with the broader historical context, she has crafted a story that resonates deeply with readers.
As she continues her writing journey, Stanion’s passion for storytelling remains rooted in her desire to share stories that matter. “It is very important for me to preserve and highlight cultural histories,” she noted. Her work serves as a bridge between the past and present, offering readers a glimpse into a world that still shapes the lives of many today.
Discover the Story Behind the Legacy
J. Stanion’s My Place Among Them is a moving tribute to family, culture, and resilience. If you’re drawn to historical fiction that offers deep insight into real-life events, this is a book you can’t miss. Look into the rich history of John Iron Horse’s journey and explore the powerful narrative that has fascinated readers across the globe.
Buy My Place Among Them today and experience a story rooted in family, history, and heart. Available on Amazon and discover more about J. Stanion’s work at www.jstanion.com.
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