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crankylibrarian's review
4.0
The current attention to school bullying reminded me of this great story from my childhood. Jo, a spirited tomboy and the daughter of a prominent local businessman, becomes friendly with Onota, a Chippewa Indian classmate. After a fire mysteriously destroys Jo's father's business, Onota's father and brother are falsely accused of setting it. In the confusion Jo is accidentally stranded with Onota's family during a fierce Michigan blizzard, and the week she spends with them causes her to appreciate their courage, good humor and strength. Onota and Jo are realistically drawn young girls: Jo fiercely defends Onota from their school's racist cliques, but Onota has a personality and spunk of her own. Her warm, close knit family eschew most Native stereotypes: there is some "Great spirit" story-telling, but Onota's brother Jim is a mischievous 18 year old devoted to his ham radio set, and the Leroys are clearly intelligent, successful business men.A great story of friendship and loyalty overcoming prejudice.
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