Friends!

We are just a little UNDER one month away from the release of one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith. comes out on August 26!

This anthology of interconnected stories about a mythical drive-in that appears whenever you need guidance centers Native joy and is perfect for both young adult and adult audiences alike!

I was lucky enough to be able to ask a few questions to some the contributors of the anthology ! Below you'll find responses from Byron Graves, author of Rez Ball and All Signs Point To Yes.

Naomi: Hi Byron! Can you discuss why you started writing and what your writing journey has been like? 

Byron: I always knew I wanted to do something creative and expressive. I just didn't know exactly what that would be. I dabbled and failed at music, acting, and sports, before I realized I was meant to be a writer. But the great thing about my journey, was that it gave me a ton of material for stories. My writing journey has been unorthodox to say the least. I initially self-taught myself quite a bit by reading books on style, plot, dialogue, etc. Then it was several years of writing, learning, editing, failing, and picking myself back up again. It was a lot of perseverance that was supplemented with purpose and hope for what I knew I eventually wanted to achieve, which was writing stories that a reluctant reader from my reservation could see themselves, and in turn, fall in love with books.

Naomi: Why do you write for a young adult audience? 

Byron: I had a very unique childhood. There are so many dimensions and aspects of it that came with lessons, love, heartbreak, and lots of laughs. Until I exhaust those stories, I'll keep sharing them. There has been no greater satisfaction than hearing from teen readers who share how Rez Ball made them feel or what they loved about it. The way teen readers bond with my characters makes the thousands of hours of writing and editing so worth it!

Naomi: Why do you think representation is important, especially for youth? 

Byron: Being able to see oneself as a main character, or a hero can be a catalyst for shaping and molding the future landscape of hopes, dreams and visions. Plus, it's fun to identify with a character on a more personal level. It can make reading feel like a deeper, more visceral experience.

Naomi: What are some of your favorite themes to write? Do you find yourself returning to the same themes in different projects?

Byron: Currently I really love sharing how sports, passions, or hobbies can be a guiding, helping force during otherwise incredibly challenging times for teens. I believe that having something we care about greatly, that brings us joy, that can elevate our self-esteem, is incredibly important to have when the inevitable dark times come. Especially for teens.

Naomi: How has your community responded to your work? 

Byron: With an unbelievable amount of love and support. My community on the Red Lake reservation champion my writing and celebrate it. The books I write aren't mine, but ours.

Naomi: What do you hope readers take away from your story "Love Buzz" in the anthology? From your work? (Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers) 

Byron:  Being brave enough to be vulnerable in expression. The main character in my story, Love Buzz, is about to perform with their band for the very first time. He wants to debut a song he has written for his crush, but his bandmates and friends think it's cheesy and corny. But his crush happens to be at the show, and the lyrics in his song are all the things he always wanted to tell her. It's scary sometimes, to share our thoughts, feelings, art, with the world. But taking those steps, help inform us of who were really are. 

Naomi: What challenges have you faced in publishing? 

Byron: Initially it was more so on me to find my voice, my style, and my little corner of the world. I had a hard time writing what I thought the publishing industry wanted. Once I decided to share my truth, and write from my own experiences, it all came together.

Naomi: What changes have you seen in the publishing industry in terms of support for Indigenous authors? 

Byron: The wide variety of readership and support has been such a blessing. I love knowing that people from all walks of life get to read our stories now. The good, the dark, with all the "Indian humor" interwoven.

Naomi: Who are the Indigenous authors that influenced you? 

Byron: Cynthia Leitich Smith. She was and is my writing hero. Reading her books showed me that my own dreams were actually possible. Her writing was my lighthouse as I found myself as an author. 

Naomi: What is one book by an Indigenous author you recommend to everyone? 

Byron: Man Made Monsters by Andrea Rogers. I LOVE that book. 

Naomi: Who are you reading now? 

Byron: Stephen Graham Jones

Naomi: What are you working on next? 

Byron: Wrapping up the final stages of my next YA book, Medicine Wheels. It's about a kid named Bryce who is going through an incredibly tough summer, and falls in love with skateboarding, which becomes his therapy and escapism. Super excited to share this one with the world. I spent the last couple of years learning to skateboard so that I could write this book with experience. I learned so much from writing and especially editing Rez Ball, which gave so many more tools and perspectives when I began writing Medicine Wheels.

Naomi: That sounds so good!

Legendary Frybread Drive-in Intertribal Stories Synposis:

The road to Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban Native hangout. The menu offers a rotating feast, including traditional eats and tasty snacks. But Sandy June's serves up more than food: it hosts live music, movie nights, unexpected family reunions, love long lost, and love found again.

That big green-and-gold neon sign beckons to teens of every tribal Nation, often when they need it most.

Legedary Frybread Drive-in Intertribal Stories features stories and poems by: Kaua Mahoe Adams, Marcella Bell, Angeline Boulley, K. A. Cobell, A. J. Eversole, Jen Ferguson, Eric Gansworth, Byron Graves, Kate Hart, Christine Hartman Derr, Karina Iceberg, Cheryl Isaacs, Darcie Little Badger, David A. Robertson, Andrea L. Rogers, Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Brian Young

Releases: August 26, 2025 and is Good Day To Read Indigenous Book Club reading selection for September!

Pre-order it now and check out a few of Byron Graves other books by clicking the attached books below.