This book really crept up on me. The language is beautiful, but there didn't seem to be much action...until there was. I am grateful to have learned about this book through readings about Native American literature in this course. The book deals with the topic of sterilization of non-whites in 1920s Vermont, but in a subtle way until the very end.

A favorite passage is this: "Crisp leaves rustled underfoot. Scudding clouds propelled by cold winds interrupted the sun, but when the beams broke through, they lit the half-bare tree limbs like an illuminated picture. For a moment, in the sky, the sun splintered into a burst of rays over the western hills, biblical and glorious." (p. 291)

Curricular connections: The author cites a book called Breeding Better Vermonters by Nancy Gallagher about the Vermont Eugenics Project from where she learned about this controversial topic. Students could explore this and other hidden attempts to commit acts of genocide.

Also, on several occasions between Molly and others in the story - her friend Katy, friend Henry, and grandmother - it is said that they understand each other. Two people understanding one another through equal trust and respect is a theme that could be explored by students. ( )

this book rocks!!!!! ( )

The setting for this book is 1920's Vermont, when there was a Eugenics program that focused on eliminating Abenaki Indians, French Canadians, any other poor or downcast group. The protagonist, 16 year old Molly is part Abenaki and hence must deal with the prejudice inflicted upon people of her kind. But she's got much more to deal with too-namely, a long dead sister who talks to her and a mother who won't show affection to her because of the dead sister. In the meantime she's also falling for an Abenaki native. The writing is strong and pure...a good book overall. ( )

In 1929 the Governor of Vermont has just made an announcement: his state is for “real” Yankees. Molly, a 16-year-old girl of Abenaki and French Canadian descent, finds herself suddenly the object of jeers in her small logging town, and immediately thinks that hiding her heritage is the best way to help her family. Her mother is pregnant, despite her age, and Molly is concerned for her health. On top of this, memories of her deceased sister have been haunting Molly, and a pair of nurses from the government have been skulking around town. But when she finds herself spending more and more time with an Abenaki boy, Molly discovers that there is more value to the old ways than she knew. This is a beautiful coming of age story against the backdrop of New England is a serious Newbery contender - one that you don’t want to miss. ( )