Kaasteek - The Silent Drum (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798295456428)

In a coastal Tlingit village where every tide has an old name and every cedar carries memory, twelve-year-old Kaasteek is gifted a copper drum that refuses to sing. The elders expect visions. The children expect magic. Kaasteek expects to fail quietly, the way she always does.

As new rules and changing worlds press in on her community, Kaasteek must find the courage to speak her language aloud before silence takes its place. Guided by humor, grief, ancestors, and the land she belongs to, Kaasteek discovers that Lingít is not a "lost art form," but a living magic powerful enough to reshape the world-if she is brave enough to use it.

Kaasteek: The Silent Drum is the opening book in a sweeping Tlingit fantasy saga that follows one girl through childhood, adulthood, and elderhood.

All author proceeds from this first edition support Tlingit & Haida's Language Department, creating a perpetual revenue stream for revitalization efforts.

Kaasteek: The Silent Drum is available in several formats to make the story accessible at different price points and reading preferences. Each edition offers the same core story and language content, with differences in presentation and experience.

Best for readability and accessibility

This is the version I personally consider the most readable.

With no page limits, the story has room to breathe, layouts flow naturally, and full color can be used without additional cost.

• Full color throughout
• Most flexible reading experience
• Optimized pacing and spacing
• Highest price point to maximize royalties
• All proceeds support Tlingit language programs

Recommended if you want the smoothest reading experience and to directly support language revitalization.

Most affordable physical copy

This is the lowest-cost tangible version of the book.

While the images print in black and white and are more utilitarian, the full story and all Tlingit language content remain intact.

• Black-and-white interior
• Same complete narrative and language elements
• Most accessible physical price point

Recommended if you want a physical copy at the lowest cost, with the story as the focus.

Durable, enhanced reading experience

The hardcover edition is designed for longevity and repeated reading.

To improve the experience, this version is printed in full color, even though that increases production cost-which I've intentionally absorbed.

• Full color interior
• More durable binding
• Better visual experience than paperback

Recommended if you want a lasting copy with enhanced visuals.