Scanlan, W.J. Rebellion.SCANLAN, W.J. Rebellion. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 167p. c1989. 1-55005-118-0. $8.95. J A good author can take a little-known historical event and make it come alive. This novel is set in the Northwest Territories Northwest Territories, territory (2001 pop. 37,360), 532,643 sq mi (1,379,028 sq km), NW Canada. The Northwest Territories lie W of Nunavut, N of lat. 60°N, and E of Yukon. of Canada in 1885 during the Northwest Rebellion, when the Metis Metis (mē`tĭs), in astronomy, one of the 39 known moons, or natural satellites, of Jupiter. Metis goddess of caution and discretion. [Rom. Myth.: Wheeler, 242] See : Prudence attempted to set up their own nation. It is a fast-paced, sometimes bloody, story based on historical fact. Any reader can vicariously trade places with teenager Jack Rawlins as he must decide between his English background and his Metis friends. Jack, the son of a Crimean War Crimean War (krīmē`ən), 1853–56, war between Russia on the one hand and the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France, and Sardinia on the other. The causes of the conflict were inherent in the unsolved Eastern Question. hero, lives in the Northwest Territories. Although his mother discourages contact with the Metis, Jack's best friends belong to this group of mixed French and Indian heritage. The author shows that particular characters on each side are "bad guys" but both sides are fighting for what they believe. When trouble breaks out, Jack's father refuses to take part and is accused of cowardice. Jack is humiliated hu·mil·i·ate tr.v. hu·mil·i·at·ed, hu·mil·i·at·ing, hu·mil·i·ates To lower the pride, dignity, or self-respect of. See Synonyms at degrade. and vows revenge. He sides with the Metis against the Canadians, serving as a scout and participating in battles against superior forces. He eventually realizes that the Metis cause is hopeless and returns home. Jack's father faces down his accuser and restores Jack's faith in him. One torture scene is especially shocking but is part of the culture of that particular Indian tribe INDIAN TRIBE. A separate and distinct community or body of the aboriginal Indian race of men found in the United States. 2. Such a tribe, situated within the boundaries of a state, and exercising the powers of government and, sovereignty, under the national . As a bonus, the story offers many opportunities for further reading/research. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Royal Canadian Mounted Police, constabulary organized (1873) as the Northwest Mounted Police to bring law and order to the Canadian west. In 1920 the name was changed to the present title. do not evoke the heroic image they once did, but they do have a storied history all their own. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers. |
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