From Library Journal
Grade 5-8-In this sequel to The Devil's Highway (Peachtree, 1998), Zeb, 14, encounters horse thieves and other outlaws as he travels the dangerous Natchez Trace in 1811 in search of his grandfather. Unfortunately, the adventure falls flat despite the presence of strong-willed, conscientious Zeb. The story's shortcomings lie in its inability to maintain a heightened sense of excitement due to one-dimensional supporting characters who appear haphazardly throughout and unclear motivations. Applegate does provide some historical facts about events in the book in an author's note and weaves a well-written, accurate depiction of Indian life in the early 1800s into the narrative. Though the ending is rushed and the escape of the horse thieves predictable, the various plot lines do come together. Fans of the first book will come away satisfied.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Stan Applegate received his BA from Pennsylvania State University and his EdD from Columbia University. He has been a teacher, a chief of education for the Agency for International Development (USAID), and a UNESCO delegate. He currently resides in Peachtree City, Georgia, and is an active and popular public speaker.
James Watling was born in England and noe lives in Canada, where he is a professor of Art Education at McGill University. He has illustrated numerous books, including THE DEVIL'S HIGHWAY by Stan Applegate and THE TREE THAT OWNS ITSELF and SEAMAN by Gail Karwoski.
