Brothers of the Heart: A Story of the Old Northwest 1837-1838

by Joan W. Blos

Book Overview

"Lame teenager Shem finds manhood in the Michigan wilderness with the help of an old Indian woman in a historical novel, written partly in the form of journal entries and letters, that depicts many... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684184524
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Atheneum
• Length: 162 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Lame boy lost in the woods

In a Charlie Chaplin classic he and another fellow are trapped in a cabin in winter in Alaska while they starve and freeze to death. What is funny for the little clown is nearly tragic for a young clerk of a fur trading expedition. The friendship and guidance of an old wise native American saves him and redeems his life. We learn that it is not always the strongest and bravest who survive, but those who can adapt.

Good historical fiction for young people

I liked this book and will be using it this coming school year with my 5th grade students. It is an excellent book that focuses on self esteem, persistence, and acceptance of others with handicaps. However, it appears to be confusing for the fifth grade reading level. The advanced vocabulary and lack of flow because of the use of letters within the text makes me believe the reading level is probably at about eighth grade (12-14 years old). For younger students, it could be used with the teacher reading it to the students.