Violence: PG
Like many Native American youth of their time period, Lionel and Beatrice are taken from their homes and placed in a boarding school. While they are still technically on the Blackfoot reservation in Montana, the children are taken far away from their heritage. Their studies are all in English and their long hair is cut short in an effort to assimilate them to American ways. After a scary incident Lionel and Beatrice steal a horse and run away to find their grandfather. Knowing that the soldiers who run the boarding school will be searching for them, their grandfather takes them into the woods and teaches them traditional survival skills. Told from the perspective of Lionel, who sees his sister as a hero, and is young enough to find joy in the adventure - it’s a survival story mixed with a learning experience.
Like many Native American youth of their time period, Lionel and Beatrice are taken from their homes and placed in a boarding school. While they are still technically on the Blackfoot reservation in Montana, the children are taken far away from their heritage. Their studies are all in English and their long hair is cut short in an effort to assimilate them to American ways. After a scary incident Lionel and Beatrice steal a horse and run away to find their grandfather. Knowing that the soldiers who run the boarding school will be searching for them, their grandfather takes them into the woods and teaches them traditional survival skills. Told from the perspective of Lionel, who sees his sister as a hero, and is young enough to find joy in the adventure - it’s a survival story mixed with a learning experience.
I highly recommend this interesting historical fiction novel. There is unusual flow to the story, which moves along like a slow river, just so you can enjoy the view. The author seamlessly blends elements of Blackfoot culture and history without being too obtrusive. If fact, students may learn just enough to spur an interest, and you may find them back in the library wanting to learn more. While the main character, Lionel, seems to be about 8-10 years old, his point of view is not prominently child-like, so I think that middle school students would still find this book interesting.
EL MS –Essential. Reviewer: Stephanie MLS graduate.
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