A Way of His Own

This poignant chapter book tells the story of Shutok, a young boy with a crippled back, whose nomadic family abandons him out of fear that his "bad fortune" will spread to them. Determined, Shutok follows them across the plains until he can no longer keep up, forcing him to survive alone in the harsh North American wilderness. The narrative explores themes of prejudice, resilience, and the power of individual strength. When his family returns, a dramatic turn of events allows Shutok to prove his worth, challenging their primeval superstitions and winning their respect. It's a powerful story about overcoming adversity and finding belonging.

When Shutok's nomadic family must follow the bison herds for their livelihood, they abandon him, believing and fearing that the bad fortune that has crippled Shutok's back may spread to them. But Shutok stubbornly follows them across the plains and prairies. Eventually, he can't keep up and is left to forge his own way in the primitive wilderness of North America. Shutok's people return in the spring, when a turn of events helps him win their respect and forces them to reconsider their primeval superstitions.