INDIAN SUMMER

Girion's latest takes on the problems that result when a white family from the suburbs spends a month in an Iroquois household. Told from the points of view of Joni McCord and Sarah Birdsong, both 12, the opening chapters reveal little enthusiasm from either girl for this project, which comes about when Joni's father takes the place of the local doctor. Joni is homesick and full of misconceptions about Indians; Sarah resents her intrusion and, encouraged by her friends, makes her feelings clear. Incidents caused by mutual misunderstandings escalate until Joni, advised by Sarah's grandmother, finally realizes that she must take the first step toward reconciliation. Girion's story makes powerful points about the position of Indians in the white culture--and of white culture in the Indians'--although characterization is uneven and the climax a touch melodramatic. An involving story--along with a strong depiction of a situation little dealt with in children's literature.