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JAYHAWKER

Name: JAYHAWKER
Author: Patricia Beatty
ISBN: 0-688-09850-9

by Patricia Beatty ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 18, 1991

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From the late author of many fine historicals, an authentic picture of a boy caught in the turmoil of the Civil War— abolitionist Lije Tulley, 13, already experienced in the bitter strife between Missouri and Kansas, is sent to Missouri to spy on Quantrill's raiders. Strong adherents of the fanatical John Brown, the Tulleys are among the ``Jayhawkers'' who rescue slaves from Missouri before the war. Lije sees his Pa killed during a raid; later, in retaliation, the family's house is burned by Missouri ``Bushwackers.'' Hoping to avenge these wrongs and help the Union, Lije agrees in 1861 to pose as a Bushwacker supporter. During two years on a Missouri farm, he meets raiders Frank and Jesse James and Jim (later ``Wild Bill'') Hickok as well as Quantrill, fearfully participating in their activities but successfully evading hurting anyone on his true side. When Jesse catches Lije passing information, Hickok surprises Lije by helping to convince Jesse that it's just a love note. Unable to evade the sharp-eyed, suspicious Jesse, Lije is forced to join the terrible raid on Lawrence, Kansas, where he is wounded but manages to escape to his family. The characters here take second place to the excitement of skillfully reconstructed historical events; ``Bloody Kansas'' emerges in a story richly endowed with real events and people (carefully differentiated from the fictional characters in a lengthy author's note). A gripping story; an excellent supplement to texts or histories of the period. (Fiction. 10+)

Pub Date: Oct. 18, 1991

ISBN: 0-688-09850-9

Page Count: 214

Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1991

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION

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THUNDER ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS

by Scott O'Dell & Elizabeth Hall ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1992

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Seen through the eyes of Chief Joseph's daughter, Sound of Running Feet, O'Dell's last novel (coauthored and completed after his death by his wife) recounts the circuitous, tragic journey of the Ne-mee-poo (Nez Perce) from their Oregon home to the Lapwai Reservation in Idaho. Wisely recognizing that there's no way to fight the entrenching whites, Chief Joseph counters calls to war from dissenting tribal leaders and agrees to lead his people on what becomes an epic ordeal. Attacked by settlers en route, they win some battles against the "Blue Coats,"but the decimated tribe makes it into Crow territory only to find that their former allies are in league with the Army. Heading for refuge with Sitting Bull in Canada, they're caught in a surprise attack that leaves no choice but surrender. Bringing this bleak historical episode to life in spare, supple prose that echoes Joseph's own dignified words, the authors offer a fascinating look at the heroism of ordinary people. While the strong-willed narrator, her father, and her brave betrothed at first seem larger than life, it is quickly apparent that they don't consider themselves as such; and though she wishes she could fight, the girl dutifully takes her place caring for the young and the infirm. The authors don't tone down war's violence; they simply present it with unembellished clarity that is certain to leave a lasting impression, ending on a memorable note of reconciliation. A fitting end to a distinguished career. (Fiction. 10-14)