Seneca, South Carolina, United States, 28th Aug 2024, -
 

J. Stanion's novel, “My Place Among Them,” has been awarded the BREW Seal of Excellence this month, adding to its impressive collection of accolades. The book, which explores the complexities of Indigenous history and cultural heritage, has also garnered recognition from several other prestigious institutions.

The novel, which received positive reviews at Goodreads and other platforms, has also earned the following awards and honors:

• 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

“My Place Among Them” follows twelve-year-old John Iron Horse, who survives the Wounded Knee massacre and faces the harsh realities of government-run education designed to assimilate Indigenous children. The story looks into the relationship between a determined student and his teacher amidst the backdrop of systemic bureaucracy and cultural conflict.

The novel has been praised for its thought-provoking topic and meticulous research. A review from The Chrysalis BREW Project stated, “The novel's evocative prose and meticulous attention to detail create a vivid backdrop for a tale that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. The content of the book is engaging and well-researched as well as offering readers a closer look into a period that is often romanticized yet seldom understood in its full complexity. The writing style is both lyrical and accessible, which is a pleasure to read.”

The Historical Fiction Company highlighted the book's impact, stating, “The beautiful story told within My Place Among Them, combined with the in-depth research and beautiful prose of the author, earns this book a five out of five rating. It is incredibly well done, and Stanion has created a touching novel that does indigenous history justice.”

Madelyn Rohrer, author of “Children of the Edict,” described the novel as a “riveting read of conflict and resistance, hardships and perseverance,” while Bud Shapard, retired from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, praised it as “a well-written, most enjoyable read” for those interested in Old West narratives.

Fran Lebowitz, editor, commented on the book’s portrayal of history, noting, “An intimate portrayal of a period in our history when good men believed they knew best, bad men did their worst, and naïve, proud men couldn't tell the difference.”

J. Stanion, a National Board Certified teacher of science and the author of this powerful narrative, reflects on her journey through writing, which has allowed her to share profound personal and historical insights. 

For more details about the BREW Seal of Excellence and the other BREW awards, here’s the link: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/the-brew-awards/.

The book is available in digital, paperback, and hardbound editions through major retailer sites. You can get a copy on Amazon via the following link: https://www.amazon.com/My-Place-Among-Them-Stanion-ebook/dp/B0C7FFJLK7/.

For interview requests, book signings, guesting requests, features, and other related inquiries, contact J. Stanion via jstanion1890@gmail.com.