Miko Kings by LeAnne Howe is praised for its rich historical narrative and intricate storytelling, offering a unique perspective on Native American culture and early 20th-century baseball. Critics commend its lyrical prose and deep character development, though some find its complex narrative structure and frequent time shifts challenging. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that skillfully blends history and fiction.

Fans of historical fiction with a strong cultural perspective will enjoy Miko Kings by LeAnne Howe. Comparable to works like Louise Erdrich’s The Round House or Sherman Alexie’s The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, this novel intertwines Native American history with rich storytelling, appealing to readers interested in Indigenous narratives and complex character arcs.

Miko Kings by LeAnne Howe follows Lena, a Choctaw woman, unraveling the history of the Miko Kings, the first Indigenous American baseball team, and its connection to her family's past. The narrative shifts between present-day Lena, the team’s rise and fall around 1907, and reflections from 1969, revealing deep connections between land, identity, and history. This book discusses racism and intense violence and includes brief mentions of sexual violence.

Mysterious / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet

- Miko Kings incorporates elements of both historical fiction and magical realism, blending the narrative with rich depictions of Native American culture and history.
- LeAnne Howe, the author, is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and draws on her heritage to explore themes of identity and cultural resilience.
- The novel delves into the early days of Native American baseball, spotlighting a fictional 1907 team, which offers insight into the sport's unique development within Indigenous communities.

**Lena**  
A woman of mixed Choctaw and Sac and Fox heritage who returns to Oklahoma after years away, grappling with her cultural identity and complex family history.

**Hope Little Leader**  
Known as the Miko Kings' best hurler, he is a Choctaw man with a rich life story involving hardship and a significant past in baseball.

**Ezol Day**  
An insightful woman who appears in both past and present timelines, offering Lena a deeper understanding of her family's history.

**Henri Day**  
The founder of the Miko Kings and father to Cora, he is portrayed as a well-meaning but financially struggling man with aspirations for communal unity.

**Blip Bleen**  
The player-manager of the Miko Kings known for his leadership and scarred appearance, he plays a pivotal role in the team's dynamics.

**Bo Hash**  
Justina's cousin, who becomes a complex figure within the narrative due to his ties to various characters and personal struggles with discrimination.

**Justina Maurepas ("Black Juice")**  
A transformative figure involved in social justice and a former romantic partner of Hope, struggling with her past actions and legacy.

**Cora Day/MourningTree Bolin**  
Lena's grandmother who struggles with grief and resentment, impacting her relationship with Lena and her own past mistakes.

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