For the child who finds strength in the face of daunting challenges, this book illuminates the fierce love and courage required to protect one's family. It's an inspiring tale of resilience and determ
A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a situation that feels impossibly large, to show them a model of courage born from love. In 1827 Idaho, twelve-year-old Celou, who is of French and Shoshone heritage, witnesses Crow warriors kidnap her mother and brothers. She is their only hope. This gripping historical adventure follows her solo pursuit through the wilderness, relying on her wits and dual-cultural knowledge to survive and save her family. It's a powerful tale of resilience and determination for readers 10 to 14 ready for intense, high-stakes peril.
Written by a non-Native author in the 90s; depicts intertribal conflict from a specific perspective.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with kidnapping, survival peril, and intertribal conflict. The approach is realistic for the historical setting, not metaphorical. Celou's mixed-race identity is a central, direct theme, exploring her feelings of being between two worlds. The resolution is hopeful and empowering but earned through significant hardship, reflecting a realistic rather than a fairytale outcome. The context is historical and secular.
Ideal Reader
An adventurous reader aged 11-13 who loves survival stories (like Hatchet) and is ready for more emotional complexity. This is for the child drawn to strong, competent female protagonists who don't wait to be rescued. It's also an excellent fit for a reader exploring their own mixed-heritage identity.
Parent Prep
The opening kidnapping scene is intense and may be frightening for sensitive readers. A parent should preview the first two chapters. It's also beneficial to provide context about the historical realities of the American West in the 1820s, including the complex and often fraught relationships between different Native American nations. A parent hears their child express feelings of powerlessness or overwhelm in the face of a large challenge, saying things like, "It's too hard," or "I can't do it by myself." The child needs a model of self-reliance and the courage to take the first step.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the thrilling adventure and survival elements: tracking, finding food, and outsmarting her enemies. An older reader (12-14) will better appreciate the nuanced exploration of Celou's identity, the psychological weight of her responsibility, and the historical complexities of the setting.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many survival stories where a character is accidentally lost, this is a proactive rescue mission driven entirely by the protagonist's fierce love for her family. Its thoughtful exploration of a mixed-heritage protagonist's identity within a specific historical context gives it a depth that sets it apart from more straightforward wilderness adventures.
Read plot summary
In 1827 Idaho, twelve-year-old Celou Sudden Shout, of mixed French and Shoshone heritage, is the sole witness when Crow warriors kidnap her mother and two younger brothers. Armed with only her skills and profound determination, she embarks on a solo journey through the harsh wilderness to track the captors and attempt a rescue.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Celou uses knowledge from both her Shoshone and French heritage to survive. What is a specific example of each, and how did being part of two worlds make her stronger?
2
When Celou first begins her journey, she is terrified. What do you think was the single most important decision she made that helped her overcome her fear and keep going?
3
The story is told from Celou's point of view. How might the story be different if it were told from her mother's perspective, or from the perspective of one of the Crow warriors?
4
Courage isn't the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it. Where do we see this idea in Celou's actions? Describe a time you had to be brave even when you were scared.
