A critically acclaimed historical novel by the author of the National Book Award-winning novel Homeless Bird. When shy ten-year-old Lucy comes to live with her aunt and uncle at their mission school, she's surprised at the number of harsh rules and restrictions imposed on the children. Why, she wonders, should the Indians have to do all the changing? And why is her aunt so strict with them?Then a girl called Raven runs away in protest, and Lucy knows she must overcome her timidity and stand up to her aunt—no matter what the consequences. With her trademark lyricism, spare prose, and strong young heroine, award-winning author Gloria Whelan has once again taken a chapter from history and transformed it into gripping, accessible historical fiction that is perfect for schools and classrooms, as well as for fans of Linda Sue Park and Louise Erdrich.What happens when a shy girl finds her voice to fight for a new friend? An Unlikely Friendship: Shy Lucy has always followed the rules. Defiant Raven has never met a rule she wouldn’t break. A Test of Courage: When Raven runs away from the mission school’s injustice, Lucy must choose between staying silent and risking everything to help. 19th Century Historical Fiction: A meticulously researched look into the world of a Michigan mission school in 1839 and the cultural clashes faced by its students. A Powerful Coming of Age Story: Follow Lucy’s journey as she discovers the strength to question authority and stand up for what’s right, no matter the cost.
