Brothers Of The Heart: A Story Of The Old Northwest 18371838 [Paperback]

Joan W. Blos (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 1993

"Lame teenager Shem finds manhood in the Michigan wilderness with the help of an old Indian woman in a historical novel, written partly in the form of journal entries and letters, that depicts many facets of early nineteenth-century frontier life".--Booklist.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-9 Shem, 14 years old and lame from birth, has traveled westward from Detroit to settle with his family in Millfield, a new town on the edge of the Michigan frontier. Frustration at not finding work and a falling-out with his father cause Shem to run away from home and look for a job in Detroit. As a clerk in a trading company, he is chosen to accompany a trading expedition into the wilderness. Separated from the traders during a storm, he encounters an Indian woman, Mary Goodhue, who teaches him the skills of wilderness living and, more importantly, teaches him to cope with his weaknesses and develop his strengths. When Mary dies, Shem finds his way out of the wilderness and returns to Millfield with an air of self-confidence that makes his lameness barely noticeable. There are many memorable scenes and fine characterizations in this story. Excerpts from letters and diary entries are liberally sprinkled throughout the text, giving a sense of authenticity and a documentary tone to the story; but too often the abrupt transitions and changes of perspective tend to interrupt the smooth flow of the narrative. The style, while true to the period, may prove slow going for most readers, but this certainly fills a need for good historical fiction of the early 19th Century. Connie C. Rockman, Ferguson Library, Stamford, Conn.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (October 31, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689717245
• ISBN-13: 978-0689717246
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,099,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good historical fiction for young people, July 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brothers Of The Heart: A Story Of The Old Northwest 18371838 (Paperback)

I liked this book and will be using it this coming school year with my 5th grade students. It is an excellent book that focuses on self esteem, persistence, and acceptance of others with handicaps. However, it appears to be confusing for the fifth grade reading level. The advanced vocabulary and lack of flow because of the use of letters within the text makes me believe the reading level is probably at about eighth grade (12-14 years old). For younger students, it could be used with the teacher reading it to the students.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lame boy lost in the woods, March 6, 2009

By 

R. Bagula "Roger L. Bagula" (Lakeside, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brothers Of The Heart: A Story Of The Old Northwest 18371838 (Paperback)

In a Charlie Chaplin classic he and another fellow are trapped in a cabin in winter in Alaska while they starve and freeze to death.
What is funny for the little clown is nearly tragic for a young clerk
of a fur trading expedition. The friendship and guidance of an old wise native American saves him and redeems his life.
We learn that it is not always the strongest and bravest who survive,
but those who can adapt.