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katykelly's review
3.0
A true story, a younger 'Dances with Wolves' of transition from one world to another
While I enjoyed the story itself, I found the narrative style (third person, no speech) took away the emotions of the tale. I've recently read Dances with Wolves, and couldn't help but compare. Though this of course is based on a true story and intended for a much younger audience.
In the midst of warring colonies in the new America, a Puritan girl and her family are caught up in an enforced march after a battle, with the girl, Eunice eventually arriving at a Mohawk settlement and being adopted by a family, taking on a new identity.
Her Puritan family want her back of course, but Eunice (now with a new name) actually finds her life, position and future a happy one in her new home.
Communications and travel seem remarkably easy for the 1700s (maybe things have been simplified for the sparse, short text, but it's amazing how Eunice's father manages to keep in touch with all of his spread-out children after they've been captured and taken away following a battle!).
It's an interesting account, particularly when we see the Mohawk customs and way of life that Eunice comes to consider her own. It would make a very useful text for schools looking at Native Americans and the history of the period. It doesn't feel very emotive or give much perspective of the characters (though Reverend Williams gets more to 'say' than his daughter). It's quite dry and detailed, with lots of historical detail included to make it as educational as possible, rather than 'a good read'.
There is nothing unsuitable here for primary readers, though there are deaths, nothing is explicit or openly upsetting. Could be a good class read for ages 9-13.
While I enjoyed the story itself, I found the narrative style (third person, no speech) took away the emotions of the tale. I've recently read Dances with Wolves, and couldn't help but compare. Though this of course is based on a true story and intended for a much younger audience.
In the midst of warring colonies in the new America, a Puritan girl and her family are caught up in an enforced march after a battle, with the girl, Eunice eventually arriving at a Mohawk settlement and being adopted by a family, taking on a new identity.
Her Puritan family want her back of course, but Eunice (now with a new name) actually finds her life, position and future a happy one in her new home.
Communications and travel seem remarkably easy for the 1700s (maybe things have been simplified for the sparse, short text, but it's amazing how Eunice's father manages to keep in touch with all of his spread-out children after they've been captured and taken away following a battle!).
It's an interesting account, particularly when we see the Mohawk customs and way of life that Eunice comes to consider her own. It would make a very useful text for schools looking at Native Americans and the history of the period. It doesn't feel very emotive or give much perspective of the characters (though Reverend Williams gets more to 'say' than his daughter). It's quite dry and detailed, with lots of historical detail included to make it as educational as possible, rather than 'a good read'.
There is nothing unsuitable here for primary readers, though there are deaths, nothing is explicit or openly upsetting. Could be a good class read for ages 9-13.
historynerd04's review
4.0
3.5 solid stars. Great middle grade read for those kids who are enthralled with history.
I received a free copy of this book to review via a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received a free copy of this book to review via a Goodreads Giveaway.
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