Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 1998)

Despite Bruchac's expert knowledge of Native American beliefs and traditions, and the interesting era and events recounted in this short novel--an encounter between the Abenaki and the Quakers in 1777--the book isn't as compelling as it could be. Told in alternating chapters from the Indian and Quaker viewpoints, the characters are never fully realized and the dialogue is often stilted. However, the historical note that follows is fascinating.

Kirkus Reviews

In alternating chapters, Bruchac (Lasting Echoes, p. 1641, etc.) describes two 14-year-old boys, one a Quaker and one an Abenaki Indian, whose lives at the time of the Revolution will eventually intersect. Samuel is struggling with his family's belief in nonviolence at a time when they are all in danger. Stands Straight and his small tribe are trying to decide whether to heed King George's call to join the British side. Their meeting, based on an actual historical event, will affect their lives, and the lives of their people, in profound and spiritual ways. The parallels between two thoughtful and deeply devout groups are finely drawn without being didactic or forced, as are the protagonists' efforts to grow up, under the guidance of strong mentors. An author's note gives details on the sources as well as some of the decision-making behind the story. A delicate tale, very well told. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Fiction. 7- 9)"

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6--A thoughtful and eminently readable work. The story takes place during the summer of 1777 and is told in alternating voices by two young men from different cultures. Samuel Russell, a Quaker, wrestles with his faith's pacifism. He hates being called a coward by neighbors whose tolerance for the Quakers has been strained by their refusal to fight for independence. Stands Straight is an Abenaki whose family was killed by colonists. As British troops move toward Saratoga, he joins his uncle in a scouting party as the Abenaki try to decide which side to support. When the scouts reach the meeting house where the Quakers are worshipping, the two boys meet and each one grows as a result of the encounter. An author's note recounts Bruchac's research into the varying accounts of this true event and carefully notes any changes he made in his retelling. Full-page drawings in shades of gray fit the mood of the story without breaking the narrative flow. With a surprising amount of drama and even suspense, this tale of pacifism triumphant makes a good choice for historical fiction collections.--Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA

Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 1998)

Starred Review Fourteen-year-old Samuel Russell hates being called a coward because he is a Quaker, and he vows to defend his family if Loyalists or Indians try to harm them. Stands Straight, an Abenaki boy whose mother and brother were murdered by white men, has joined his uncle's scouting party, though he questions why Indians should fight in the white man's war. In alternating narratives, the two boys tell this quietly compelling story, which is based on an actual incident that took place in 1777, just before the Battle of Saratoga. As Samuel's family sits in the meeting with the rest of the Quaker congregation, the Indian scouting party to which Stands Straight belongs surrounds the cabin. Stands Straight follows his uncle Sees-the-Wind inside, and after being assured that there are no weapons in the cabin, the Abenakis leave their bows and arrows outside and sit with the Quakers in silence. At the end of the meeting, the Quakers and the Indians share the handshake of peace, and Sees-the-Wind places an arrow over the cabin's door to show the Abenakis that the Quakers are people of peace. Simple black-and-white drawings reflect the dignified tone of the story, which explores the complexities of the Indian-white relationship, focusing on two lesser-known groups who were involved in the conflict. An author's note provides thorough historical background about the incident, as well as a brief history of the Quakers and the Abenakis. A truly excellent example of historical fiction for the middle-grade/junior-high audience. (Reviewed February 15, 1998)