From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7 Twelve-year-old Adam and his family live in an isolated valley in the Wyoming Territory in the 1860s. Angry at having been forced to move from Tennessee and fiercely loyal to the memory of his dead father, Adam is an unpleasant boy whose step-father, Sam, insists that he behave responsibly. His manhood and courage are heavily tested when three thugs who want to stake a gold claim hold the family hostage while Sam is in Cheyenne filing a deed for the land. Adam escapes the cabin and leads two of the villains on a wild mountain chase during which he is both shot and knifed, the dog is badly injured, and the two villains are miraculously killed by a mountain lion. While there is a little allusion to real historical events of the period, and the characters are the stereotypes of genre fiction (including the strong silent trapper who has trouble expressing his feelings, unredeemingly evil antagonists, and solitary Indian) the magnificent setting and the rapid-fire pace of the plot will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In the tradition of great dog stories, animals and people work together, good triumphs over evil, and the family is reconciled and at peace in the end. Young readers will identify with the super-heroic Adam, feel his pain, and share his joy when his dog recovers. Historical and literary flaws will not be apparent to young readers caught up in this exciting story. Accessible language and the strong plot give the book special appeal to reluctant readers. Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Ingram
Set in the Wyoming Territory in the 1860s, this adventure story has a rapid-fire plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In the tradition of great dog stories, animals and people work together, good triumphs over evil, and there is peace at the end. Young readers will identify with the young hero and his courageous dog.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
