Dirty Deed, A [Hardcover]

Ted Stenhouse (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up

This novel by Ted Stenhouse is the sequel to Across the Steel River. This time, the boys uncover generations of disgrace and realize that everyone has something to hide.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-Stenhouse returns to 1952 Grayson, a Canadian town, in this companion to Across the Steel River (Kids Can, 2001). While out stargazing, best friends Will and Arthur, who is a Blackfoot Indian, witness the beating of a teen, Catface, by Old Man Howe, the town's richest man. The seventh graders end up with a land deed that Howe claims Catface stole, but the deeper the boys dig, the more questions arise, and the more cruelty and shame they uncover. Deception, prejudice, and evil pepper Howe's past dealings with his own family, particularly his daughter who married an Indian and is Catface's grandmother. Will and Arthur manage to set things right, but at great risk to themselves and their friendship. The town's intense prejudice sometimes comes close to overshadowing an otherwise exciting plot and intriguing characters. Though that bigotry plays an integral part in Howe's past, and hence Will's and Arthur's present, there is so much anger in the characters that the story loses focus in several places. While the book promotes an understanding of racial prejudice, it's a heavy, unpleasant read.
Linda Bindner, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-8. Although this sequel to Across the Steel River (2001) stands alone, readers new to the 1952 rural Canadian setting may find it slow-going at first. However, Stenhouse's vivid characterizations and impassioned themes of friendship and tolerance pull in the reader. Young Will Samson and his best friend, Arthur, a Blackfoot Indian, have a wonderfully abrasive and real relationship, which Stenhouse illuminates through their adventure involving the town villain, old man Howe; a young Indian named Catface whom Howe beats and persecutes; and the deed to a piece of Howe's land, which rightfully belongs to the Indians. Arthur's grandfather engineers a marvelous surrealistic walkabout experience for Will, which terminates in a thrilling and gory chase. There's more to this Twain-like friendship story than meets the eye; both historical fiction and adventure fans will find much to enjoy. Debbie Carton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press; First edition (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155337360X
• ISBN-13: 978-1553373605
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,696,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dirty Deed, April 15, 2003

By 

Marit McBride (Salt Spring Island, B.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dirty Deed, A (Hardcover)

"A Dirty Deed" is a great sequel to the first book "Across the Steel River". I was caught up once again in the lives of the two young boys as they fought to overcome ignorance, prejudice and injustice - and of course, the most powerful, evil man in their hometown. Through scrapes, fights, dog attacks and narrow escapes, the characters learn something about themselves, and the men they want to become. The interaction between the boys is delightful. Their rough and tumble comraderie brought many a smile to my face. There is also a powerful moral lesson to be learned about shame and how it can prevent people from embracing those closest to them. "A Dirty Deed" is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone, young or old, male or female. The storyline will pull you in until you find you can't put the book down until you finish it.