Seneca, South Carolina, United States, 27th Sep 2024, -
 

My Place Among Them, the debut novel by J. Stanion, has been named a finalist in the 2023 Goethe Book Awards for Post-1750s Historical Fiction. This competition, part of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs), recognizes outstanding works of historical fiction set after the 1750s. The novel, based on a manuscript written by Stanion’s great-grandfather, has garnered attention for its portrayal of the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples during the U.S. government’s Indian Education program.

The Goethe Book Awards are named after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a key figure of the Enlightenment, and highlight books that explore significant historical periods. My Place Among Them tells the story of John Iron Horse, a twelve-year-old survivor of the Wounded Knee Massacre who is forced to attend a government-run boarding school. The novel follows his journey as he tries to preserve his Lakota culture while being subjected to policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous children. It also explores the evolving relationship between John and his teacher, Carter Heath, a white man who becomes an advocate for his Native American students.

In an exclusive interview, J. Stanion highlighted her commitment to preserving cultural histories. “Cultural identity has intrinsic value,” she stated, emphasizing how diverse traditions help societies survive and thrive. She also shared how facing criticism, such as being labeled “woke,” challenged her but reinforced her dedication to telling stories that promote cultural understanding.

Sylvia Leclair's article titled "Rural Roots, Rich Stories: How J. Stanion’s Farming Life Influences Her Writing," she looks into how J. Stanion’s life on her South Carolina farm shapes her storytelling. This connection to rural life extends beyond mere setting—it impacts her cultural and narrative perspective. The parallels she draws between farming and storytelling highlight a cultural resonance in her work. Stanion reflects, “The patience required for tending to animals mirrors the care I put into crafting my narratives.” This approach infuses her writing with the grounded, resilient qualities she experiences daily on the farm. Stanion explains, “The physicality of farm chores, the changing seasons, and the rhythms of nature ground my stories in something tangible.” 

In another interview, J. Stanion emphasized the importance of cultural representation in her work, saying, “I believe that most people have a deep respect for the people who lived on this continent prior to the white man’s arrival. However, they’ve only heard or read the stories of battles and massacres and the fight for possession of the land. Many of the people I’ve met through my book bought it because they wanted to know more.” She continued, “I made a point of purchasing relatively recently published books written by Indigenous authors as reference materials. Thankfully, more of those are becoming available because they offer a new perspective on the history I was taught.”

In an article titled “J. Stanion’s Connection to Cultural Heritage in My Place Among Them,” Glenn Prior looks into how J. Stanion’s deep-rooted connection to cultural history profoundly shapes her work. Prior highlights that Stanion’s novel is not just a historical account but a personal mission to honor her ancestors and their experiences. “Stanion's great-grandfather's manuscript provides an authentic basis for My Place Among Them, reflecting a time of profound change and cultural upheaval,” Prior notes. He emphasizes Stanion’s commitment to accurate representation, stating, “Her dedication to respecting Lakota traditions and consulting with tribal elders underscores her respect for cultural heritage.” According to Prior, Stanion’s novel offers more than a narrative; it serves as a poignant tribute to Indigenous resilience and a crucial reminder of the value of cultural identity.

J. Stanion also stated that Pine Ridge Pottery holds significant meaning in her work, offering insight into the resilience of Indigenous peoples. In another interview, she reflected on the role of this pottery in her novel: “The story of Pine Ridge Pottery is a story of the resilience of the Lakota people.”

In addition to becoming a finalist in the Goethe Book Awards, My Place Among Them has received several other recognitions, including the BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award for Political Fiction of the Year 2023 and the BREW Seal of Excellence. The novel has been celebrated for its meticulous research and compelling narrative grounded in historical events.

For more information about the award, visit the Chanticleer Goethe page. 

The book is available in digital, paperback, and hardbound editions through major retailer sites such as Amazon.

To know more about J. Stanion and her work, visit her official website, www.jstanion.com. 

About the Book
My Place Among Them offers a poignant exploration of the forced assimilation of Native American children. It tells the story of John Iron Horse, a Lakota boy, and Carter Heath, a teacher who becomes his unlikely ally. The novel’s authentic portrayal of historical events earned it the BREW Seal of Excellence from The Chrysalis BREW Project and other notable awards.

About the Author
J. Stanion is the multi-award-winning author behind My Place Among Them. Before becoming a full-time writer, she dedicated 31 years to teaching science. Stanion’s love for history and storytelling culminated in the creation of her first novel, which has garnered praise for its cultural relevance. She lives on a farm, raising cattle and horses, and is currently working on her next book. Stanion has appeared on Newsweek, MSN News, and hundreds of other news and media sites.