Ghost Over Boulder Creek

by Elaine Pease

When Run Through Fire, a half-white, half-Cheyenne boy, is captured in the aftermath of the Battle of the Washita, he makes a daring escape. Run Through Fire leaves his mother and the other prisoners and sets out to find his white father in a place he has heard about called Boulder, in the Colorado Territory. Along the way he meets General Custer, Buffalo Bill, and a brave and funny friend, a girl he calls “Orange Head,” and changes his name to Billy Tull, son of William Tull. In Boulder, a ghost appears and then disappears as he uncovers the secret the town thought was buried.

Elaine Pease has written an excellent novel full of ghostly spirits of the past, filled with mystery and Cheyenne trails.
—Gordon Yellowman, Cheyenne Tribesman

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Katharine Phenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a good read for the age group. The story moves along well. I didn't recognize much of Boulder, but then, why would I? I would (hope hope) read the sequel, BTW.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run Through Fire was a half-white and half Cheyenne twelve-year-old. He was the only one of his tribe who hadn't yet killed a buffalo. Until he did this one task he would not be looked upon as a hunter or warrior. Determined to succeed, he sets out on his own. One night on his hunt he was surprised when a spirit visited him and took him back to the time of the Sand Creek Massacre. He had survived along with others of his tribe. The spirit tells him that he is destined to survive another attack.

Run Through Fire's entire tribe was later captured by General Custer's men. As a result, Run Through Fire was forced to say good-bye to his mother and the other survivors of his tribe to go on a journey with Buffalo Bill to Fort Dodge. Run Through Fire's only thought was to escape to freedom. He would find just the right moment to escape, to blend in, especially since he could pass for white. Once he acquired his freedom he would return to his land and free his people. Run Through Fire would begin his long journey to becoming a man.

Pease has done an excellent job of bringing true life events from the late 1800's to life. Young readers will recognize familiar historical people such as General Custer, and Buffalo Bill. Boys and girls alike will want to read up on The Washita River Massacre and Sand Creek Massacre, to learn more details about these true events. Pease adds a fictitious character, Run Through Fire, to engage readers and to give them a special person they can relate to and cheer for. This easy to read tale would be an excellent addition for any home library or classroom.

[Judy Kundert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful story that weaves Boulder, CO history with compelling characters. It's an exciting read for any child that likes a ghost story with a happy ending. This is a must have book for a summer time reading fun.