Bearwalker

Baron, the main character, is a short, Native American 8th grader who is picked on a lot by various classmates. A class camping trip is dreaded by him because he knows what will happen. Before the trip, we learn that Billy’s father is missing in Afghanistan, his mother is in Iraq, and he is with

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his grandmother. He is a Mohawk Indian and a member of the bear clan. The camp is owned by an elderly couple who have let others run the camp while they decide what to do with it. If they die, their nephews will inherit the land, much desired for land development. Men, ex-convicts, are hired to make sure that the old couple die so that the nephews can inherit. Also involved is a man dressed up like an Indian with a rather unsavory past. In the end, Baron is the one who saves everyone, even though in the process he is shot at, attacked by a bear, and nearly drowned. He succeeds in making the crucial call for help which results in everyone’s rescue and respect from all his classmates.
As I read this, I kept thinking about my boy students. I think this would appeal to them, no matter what the reading level. It is full of suspense and just enough blood to keep them interested without getting too gross. You never know what is going to happen on the next page. Not a long book, it would make a great read-aloud, I think. Bruchac has done an excellent job of telling a complicated, exciting, suspenseful story in a just a few pages.

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Eighth grader, Baron, is a Mohawk and the shortest kid in class. Some of the bigger guys are knocking him around but he has bigger problems. His dad is missing in action in Afghanistan and Mom, also in the service, is being shipped out.

His class is taking a trip to Camp Chuckamuck in the

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Adirondacks for almost a week. Once there Baron faces not only his fear of the ancient legend of the bearwalker, part man part bear, but many other fears become reality.

This book is full of action, but you will also find death and violence. There are many great lessons and full of outdoor scenes. I recomment for twelve and up.

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Although the littlest student in his class, thirteen-year-old Baron Braun calls upon the strength and wisdom of his Mohawk ancestors to face both man and beast when he tries to get help for his classmates, who are being terrorized during a school field trip in the Adirondacks.