John Craig (1) (1921–1982)

I really enjoyed this tale of Ken Warren, a 15 year old boy from the city (Winnipeg I suppose although it is not specified), and Paul Onaman, another 15 year old boy from the Ojibway settlement close to the Warren's summer cottage. Paul and his father were hired to help Ken and his father repair the dock at the cottage. Then Paul shows Ken how to catch fish when they are hiding among the weeds and the boys form a friendship. Ken is dismayed to learn the Ojibways may have to move from the village they have been living in for generations because a large corporation owns the land. He asks his father if there is any way to fight it and his father agrees to look into it when he is back at work. Then Paul's older brother, John, is charged with breaking into cottages although the evidence against him is sparse. Ken thinks he has a way to catch the real thieves but he needs Paul's help.

The racism expounded by some of the white inhabitants is completely accurate. I heard similar sentiments when I was growing up and I'm sure they are still being said today or at least thought. This book should make people re-examine their beliefs about natives while they enjoy a ripping good story.… (mehr)