The lineage of strength in Darcie Little Badger’s family is undeniable. Her mother, Hermelinda Walking Woman, serves as the tribal administrator for the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas, spearheading initiatives that uplift their community. At just 38, Little Badger has emerged as a distinguished author of children’s literature, advocating for Indigenous representation and addressing key issues facing her people.
Growing up in Texas amid a culture where Indigenous narratives were often sidelined, Little Badger sought solace and inspiration in books, but rarely found reflections of herself within their pages. “Books were so important to me,” she shares in a phone conversation while enjoying a break in Texas Hill Country. “From ages 12 to 18, books opened worlds, teaching me about emotions, empathy, and diverse perspectives.” This literary spark fueled her ambition to pen stories where others could see themselves mirrored.
Her childhood aspirations ranged from graphic novels to complex narratives; she vividly recalls crafting a 40-page murder mystery in the first grade with the help of her father, who even attempted to pitch it to a publisher. “I wanted to give back to the authors who impacted me,” Little Badger states.
In her burgeoning career, she explored various mediums, including three young adult novels, multiple short stories, and a comic series. Her upcoming release, Children of Owl, set to debut in October from Levine Querido, offers a fresh perspective on the Indigenous belief that owls can foretell doom.
“Big Owl is a legendary figure with significant roots in Lipan Apache culture, representing both danger and the need for resilience,” she explains. “He appears in numerous tales, often as an adversary from whom the characters must find a way to escape.”
The narrative begins when Big Owl’s son informs 16-year-old protagonist Maisie of an impending tragedy. While uncertain about what or when it will strike, he leaves her with the responsibility to protect her loved ones, including a haunted cousin, another wrongfully imprisoned cousin, and her extended family residing in a mobile home park. Complicating matters, she also embarks on a quest to recover a time capsule she buried with her best friend before their untimely parting.
Told through a blend of first-person and third-person perspectives, alongside letters, diaries, and graphic novel segments illustrated by Abigail Rajunov, the story holds readers' attention until the gripping conclusion, featuring Big Owl’s eventual downfall. “In our Apache stories, children overcoming Big Owl is a recurrent theme,” Little Badger highlights. “Even when faced with adversity, it’s essential to maintain hope.”
Little Badger's trajectory wasn't without its hurdles. Twice rejected by Princeton’s highly sought-after creative writing program, she instead earned a degree in oceanography before pursuing a PhD at Texas A&M. It wasn’t until after she entered academia, working as an editor for scientific papers, that she dared to focus on her passion: a YA novel featuring a Lipan Apache girl named Ellie who raises her dog from the dead amidst a tale embracing elements of fantasy and mystery.
Initially intended for adult audiences, the story revealed itself more fitting for younger readers, as “my grounded narratives often center around young Lipan Apache individuals in Texas,” she notes.
Diving into her publishing journey, Little Badger’s first novel, Elatsoe, released in 2020, received critical acclaim, including the Whippoorwill Book Award and the Locus Award for Best First Novel, alongside recognition from Time magazine as one of the top 100 fantasy books. The accolades afforded her the opportunity to leave the academic world behind and embrace full-time writing.
“The research environment was disheartening, with constant pressure to publish,” she reflects. Despite her literary accomplishments, Little Badger remains deeply involved in her community, serving as the storyteller laureate and science advisor for the Lipan Apache Tribe.
Following the success of Elatsoe, she released A Snake Falls to Earth, which entwines elements of Indigenous futurism as it follows Nina and a cottonmouth snake named Oli. Their journey to heal a friend showcases themes of friendship and resilience, eventually earning a Newbery Honor among other accolades.
Little Badger continued the legacy of Elatsoe with a prequel titled Sheine Lende, which also became a bestseller, alongside contributing to Clarion Books’ horror series with The Sinking House, due in August.
Beyond young adult literature, she has penned several short stories for adult audiences, often infused with horror and fantasy elements. Recently, she completed the first volume of Strangelands, a ten-part comic series with artist Magdalene Visaggio, with further releases slated for the upcoming year.
Looking ahead, her next novel will delve into a world of stage magic intertwined with her family’s history and the discovery of ancient bones tied to her lineage. “I believe readers are eager for diverse storytelling,” she asserts, emphasizing the recurrent themes of justice, resilience, and, importantly, hope throughout her works. “That’s what I aim to convey: a sense of hope.”
Patricia Morris Buckley is a journalist, a former school librarian, and the author of several children’s books, including To Walk the Sky.
A version of this article appeared in the 07/13/2026 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Heritage and Hope