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197th out of 549 books
—
1,448 voters
Moccasin Trail
Jim Keath has lived for six years as a Crow Indian when he learns that his two younger brothers and a sister are journeying west to take up land. Although Jim finds it difficult to fit in with the family he hasn't seen since childhood, and though they are wary and distrustful of him, Jim feels his duty is at their side. But slowly, as they survive the dangerous trek west,...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
October 7th 1986
by Puffin
(first published 1952)
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(I'm reading all the Newbery Honor books from the year Charlotte's Web got the Honor, to see if any of them are any good.)
I can see why this got the honor, or was at least up for discussion; it's deeper than most "captive" narratives (the main character wasn't a captive in this case, but lived in a similar situation), an interesting story, well-written, although it goes on too long in the middle. I don't know when I've read such good descriptions of culture shock.
It's a good thing this didn't w...more
I can see why this got the honor, or was at least up for discussion; it's deeper than most "captive" narratives (the main character wasn't a captive in this case, but lived in a similar situation), an interesting story, well-written, although it goes on too long in the middle. I don't know when I've read such good descriptions of culture shock.
It's a good thing this didn't w...more
I read this book aloud to my children. It won the 1953 Newbery Honor and 1963 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award.
When Jim Keath was young, he looked up to his Uncle Adam who was a trapper. At the age of 11 years, Jim left his family to live in the Oregon wilderness with his uncle. After a grizzly attacked him, he was found by natives from a nearby Crow village. They nursed him back to health, and Jim stayed with them. He felt that he was more "Indian" in his ways than "white," and he was comfortable livi...more
When Jim Keath was young, he looked up to his Uncle Adam who was a trapper. At the age of 11 years, Jim left his family to live in the Oregon wilderness with his uncle. After a grizzly attacked him, he was found by natives from a nearby Crow village. They nursed him back to health, and Jim stayed with them. He felt that he was more "Indian" in his ways than "white," and he was comfortable livi...more
At eleven years old, Jim Keath runs away to follow his uncle, a mountain man. A year or so later he is attacked by a bear and left for dead. The Crow indians find him and he lives with them for six years before leaving to join another mountain man to trap beaver. He gets a letter from his brother asking for his help. The book is about changing, accepting and understanding and especially about family.
As a young boy, Jim Keath ran away from home to join his uncle, Adam Russell, a trapper. He is separated from his uncle after a bear breaks into their camp and they both flee, the bear following Jim. The bear nearly kills Jim, but he is rescued by Crow Indians who take him back to their camp, nurse him, and accept him as their own. He lives among them for six years as the son of their chief before he runs away again, desiring to see white men once more. Here it is that we join his story - at a c...more
This book changed my life. I read it when I was twelve and it gave me a place to hang my storytelling hat. I am a writer, I believe, because of this book. It is a perfect story for a young reader who is wondering who they are and where they're going. It is about balancing the wild and the everyday. It is about two cultures, American Indian and White American. I often wonder, if I hadn't read this book, would I have ended up in Oregon? The novel comes to Oregon, where Jim, who was captured and ra...more
The realistic speech could be difficult for younger readers of this historic book about a pioneer boy reuinted with his family after being brought up by Crow Indians. A lot tension between the “Injuns” and the “whites” is displayed, but the author is fair in showing hostility from both sides. Modern readers may read it as racist at first, but descriptions and feelings fit the time it was set in. The characters are well developed, and a lot of Indian traditions are discussed (Crow keep their hair...more
This is another book where I was in love with Jim-From-The-Front-Cover. Yum. His horse is pretty awesome too.
Even ignoring my fourth-grade intangible crushes, this is a pretty fantastic book. There's a whole "Enjoy wide-open spaces of our country while you can, Native Americans and lonely trappers, because we the White Men are going to hack down all the trees and build ourselves a brave new world" theme running through it, and while you are happy that Jim is able to integrate himself back into h...more
Even ignoring my fourth-grade intangible crushes, this is a pretty fantastic book. There's a whole "Enjoy wide-open spaces of our country while you can, Native Americans and lonely trappers, because we the White Men are going to hack down all the trees and build ourselves a brave new world" theme running through it, and while you are happy that Jim is able to integrate himself back into h...more
Book I super super SUPER loved when I was a kid, falls into the same love as Johnny Tremain, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, and Holes.
Though, looking back, I think the message being sent to readers is that "white man knows best". Which is...you know...not exactly okay. But I <3 Jim.
Though, looking back, I think the message being sent to readers is that "white man knows best". Which is...you know...not exactly okay. But I <3 Jim.
Just finished reading this to my daughter tonight. She really enjoyed it.
This is the story of a young man, who had run away from home to follow his uncle at the age of 11. Confronted with a bear but surviving after Indian intervention, Jim adopts the Indian 'Crow' way of life. The story of how he meets up with his family again, helps them find settlement and having to confront differences in culture were brought out in the story very well.
Lots of cussing in it though, which I had to gloss over....more
This is the story of a young man, who had run away from home to follow his uncle at the age of 11. Confronted with a bear but surviving after Indian intervention, Jim adopts the Indian 'Crow' way of life. The story of how he meets up with his family again, helps them find settlement and having to confront differences in culture were brought out in the story very well.
Lots of cussing in it though, which I had to gloss over....more
Rating: Enjoyable and thought-provoking (4 stars)
This is an unusual book and not quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it and found it very compelling nonetheless (I stayed up and didn't finish reading it til 3am in the morning).
I just have to say that the research that must’ve gone into this story is astounding. There is incredible detail in every aspect of the story and Jim’s life; in the way he thinks, the signs he tracks, his food and clothing, the culture of the Indians who raised him,...more
This is an unusual book and not quite what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it and found it very compelling nonetheless (I stayed up and didn't finish reading it til 3am in the morning).
I just have to say that the research that must’ve gone into this story is astounding. There is incredible detail in every aspect of the story and Jim’s life; in the way he thinks, the signs he tracks, his food and clothing, the culture of the Indians who raised him,...more
I admit that this book made me cringe over the attitudes towards Indians. Crows saved a young white boy's life when he was left for dead, and they raised him as their own. However, Jim always felt unsettled with his Indian family. As an adult, when he left to rejoin his biological family, he felt even more out of place. It was interesting to follow the internal struggle as Jim tried to come to terms with who he was and where he fit. In the end, Jim cuts his braid, removes his feather, and turns...more
This is a pretty good book. When I was younger, my grandma found it at a thrift store, and she gave it to my sister and I to read on a road trip that our family was going on. It wasn't the best book I'd ever read, but it was definitely interesting and the premise was somewhat unique. The characters aren't ever really fleshed out very well though, and it's kind of corny in spots. However, if you like Eloise Jarvis McGraw's books, you'll probably enjoy this one as well.
I read this in elementary school or junior high, and loved the story- especially the main character Jim. I recently brought this to my apartment from my parents' house so that I can re-read it within the near future. The storytelling and writing were fantastic- there were parts where my heart I just couldn't read the pages fast enough. I enjoy reading it for nostalgic reasons- but I'd recommend it as a read for all ages!
Oct 13, 2012
Melody
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Historical Fiction Lovers, Those who are interested in the Oregon Trail,
Summary
Moccasin Trail is based around 1811-1869 timeline. The main character is a Crow Indian and has been that way for Six years, until he decides to meet back with his original family as they make their way to Oregon City.
Review
This book all in all was fine, although a bit tedious at times. I enjoyed the message of the book and thought that the Author did a great job at fitting it into that timeline.
Moccasin Trail is based around 1811-1869 timeline. The main character is a Crow Indian and has been that way for Six years, until he decides to meet back with his original family as they make their way to Oregon City.
Review
This book all in all was fine, although a bit tedious at times. I enjoyed the message of the book and thought that the Author did a great job at fitting it into that timeline.
I loved this book! I probably read it 3 or 4 times when I was a kid. A wonderful adventure about the old West, pretty sympathetic to Native Americans and good depictions of the cultural struggles on the frontier. When I reread it a few years ago I realized that it took place in Oregon, right near where I lived for awhile! Having been there made it come alive even more.
A heart-rending story of a white man raised by Indians who leaves them to live with his own race. Jem was attacked by a grizzly bear at age 10 and rescued by Indians. He was taught in the ways of the Natives. One day, he finds that one of the Indians has killed and scalped a white woman, with read hair similar to his mother's. He steals a horse and runs away, returning to the white men and reuniting with his siblings. However, cultureshock and tension ensue over the next few months, and Jem feel...more
This is a historical fiction book for middle school readers and up. I would give this book 3.5 stars.
Jim (the main character) feels responsibility for his family (whom he lived with as a child) but restless for the nomadic, free lifestyle of the Crow Indians (whom he lived with for six years). The author does a good job of describing the inner conflict Jim goes through throughout the book as he struggles to find out where he belongs.
Jim (the main character) feels responsibility for his family (whom he lived with as a child) but restless for the nomadic, free lifestyle of the Crow Indians (whom he lived with for six years). The author does a good job of describing the inner conflict Jim goes through throughout the book as he struggles to find out where he belongs.
As a family read aloud this one rose above the stacks of many. There were times I just had to stop for a breather or to pull myself together. It grabbed us all by the heart and charged headlong into a third culture identity experience that was unexpected in its strength and understanding. The story is rich with action and depth. Highly recommended!
This book started slowly, but became much more interesting toward the middle. This story helps children start to grasp the complexities of America's westward expansion. But what I think I liked the most is that it helps them wrap their minds around what makes a person who they are. I teared up reading the last chapter.
We finally finished this read-aloud from last school year. It was too good to put down without completing the story. The writing was exceptional, it pushed my kids in the area of vocabulary. I particularly liked the unique vernacular of the old west and doing the accents for the kids. I was a bit surprised by the intense action in this book, which included the slaying of several people by our hero. It certainly made my kids understand that frontier was no joke. The settlers daily risked their li...more
This book is about a young man who is left for dead after a bear attach and saved by indians. He spends 6 years with them before trying to live with his remaining family like white man again. Really good, fast paced read and I emphasized with the characters.
Great book, captivating story dealing with the settling of the Oregon territory and learning who you are. Young white boy raised by indians comes together with his white family and struggles to figure out where he belongs. We liked it quite a bit!
Gah, I hate it when books get me all choked up when I'm trying to read them aloud to my kiddos. Then they make a big deal about it. I think I covered it up pretty well with this one.
This is a great view of what life was like for those early settlers in what is now Oregon:the hardship of the journey out there, the work it took to set up a homestead, the run-ins with Native Americans, who the settlers didn't understand, and vice-versa.
Jim, with his constant internal struggle with figuring out who...more
This is a great view of what life was like for those early settlers in what is now Oregon:the hardship of the journey out there, the work it took to set up a homestead, the run-ins with Native Americans, who the settlers didn't understand, and vice-versa.
Jim, with his constant internal struggle with figuring out who...more
one of my favorites growing up; read it dozens of times. pretty sure this book is where i learned the word "lithe," used repeatedly to describe the main character's body. totally had a crush on him.
My 9-yr old and I read it together and really enjoyed it. I especially liked the character depth. My son liked the adventure aspect. It was an exciting book that kept our attention through the entire read.
The realistic speech could be difficult for younger readers of this historic book about a pioneer boy reunited with his family after being brought up by Crow Indians. A lot tension between the “Injuns” and the “whites” is displayed, but the author is fair in showing hostility from both sides. Modern readers may read it as racist at first, but descriptions and feelings fit the time it was set in. The characters are well developed, and a lot of Indian traditions are discussed (Crow keep their hair...more
"Moccasin Trail" is about a boy named Jim that used to be a Crow Indian and changed to a settler. He rescued his brother, Daniel, from Indians. THIS BOOK IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved the insights into indian and pioneer living! The author sometimes had me questioning who was the antagonist and who was the protagonist. This is a great read.
I read this one aloud to my kids and I was amazed at the depth of the character in this children's book. It made me cry as Jim struggled through his identity crisis.
This was pretty good. It did get a bit long in the middle of the book. Over all I found it a very interesting, educational and well written story.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's The Name o...: Boy Goes To See Family After Mom Dies, Historical Fiction [s] | 4 | 30 | Jan 27, 2013 02:23pm | |
| Moccasin Trail--disturbing? | 2 | 20 | Jul 14, 2011 11:32am |
Eloise Jarvis McGraw was an author of children's books. She was awarded the Newbery Honor three times in three different decades, for her novels Moccasin Trail (1952), The Golden Goblet (1962), and The Moorchild (1997). A Really Weird Summer (1977) won an Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America. McGraw had a very strong interest in history, and among the many book...more
More about Eloise Jarvis McGraw...
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