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Blackfoot Braves Society: Spirit Totems
When rich, pampered Jackson Brady decides to be a “normal” teen at summer camp, he and his pals Austin and Mazzy get more than they bargained for. Seeking shelter from a storm in a cave, they encounter a Ghost Shaman who teaches them to unleash their own animal spirit. It’s a good thing, too, because they’ll need those powers to fight a monstrous force that thirsts for revenge against humanity in this thrilling adventure that blends a coming-of-age story with dark fantasy.
127 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2006
7 people want to read
About the author
Christopher E. Long
41 books10 followersChristopher E. Long’s comic books have been published by the likes of Marvel Comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing and Image Comics.
His articles and short stories have been published in a variety of magazines, including Flaunt, Spinetingler Magazine, and Thuglit.
His first published comic book was “Easy Way,” which he got the title tattooed on his arm. “Hero Worship” is his debut young adult novel, so he’s getting that tattooed on his arm soon.
Christopher was born in Seattle, Washington, raised in Logan, Utah, and currently lives in Southern California with his wife and son.
His articles and short stories have been published in a variety of magazines, including Flaunt, Spinetingler Magazine, and Thuglit.
His first published comic book was “Easy Way,” which he got the title tattooed on his arm. “Hero Worship” is his debut young adult novel, so he’s getting that tattooed on his arm soon.
Christopher was born in Seattle, Washington, raised in Logan, Utah, and currently lives in Southern California with his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 7, 2009
In general, I thought this was a cute mystery story and another example of the increasing emphasis on horror stories for children, which I think is interesting. I liked that the story centered around three unlikely heroes from very different cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. I liked that the book provided historical facts on the Blackfoot Indian tribe. But, I wish the historical and cultural facts about the Blackfoot were more integrated into the story line instead of used for exposition at the beginning and as a convenient plot device toward the end.
One thing that bothered me were Michael Geiger’s pictures of the students. The cover of the book is eye-catching and cool looking—I think it would help encourage students to read the book. But the pictures inside the book seem to overemphasize phrenological traits that stereotypically categorize the characters as part of a specific race. For instance, Mazzy’s broad nose and thick lips and Bill’s hook nose. It bothered me. But, this would be a great opportunity to discuss stereotypical portrayal of people of difference in art and cartoons!
I don’t think this story has enough meat to it to use in a small group setting, but think it would work well as a read aloud if used in conjunction with a larger unit—such as legends, American Indian history, or a genre study on children’s horror. I think it would also work well as an independent read for a young gifted student. It is very hard to find books for young intermediate readers that have benevolent enough content for their maturity level. This book should hold their interest and give them just enough of a scare to make them feel like they are reading a grown up book.
One thing that bothered me were Michael Geiger’s pictures of the students. The cover of the book is eye-catching and cool looking—I think it would help encourage students to read the book. But the pictures inside the book seem to overemphasize phrenological traits that stereotypically categorize the characters as part of a specific race. For instance, Mazzy’s broad nose and thick lips and Bill’s hook nose. It bothered me. But, this would be a great opportunity to discuss stereotypical portrayal of people of difference in art and cartoons!
I don’t think this story has enough meat to it to use in a small group setting, but think it would work well as a read aloud if used in conjunction with a larger unit—such as legends, American Indian history, or a genre study on children’s horror. I think it would also work well as an independent read for a young gifted student. It is very hard to find books for young intermediate readers that have benevolent enough content for their maturity level. This book should hold their interest and give them just enough of a scare to make them feel like they are reading a grown up book.
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com
Jackson Brady desperately wants to be an average kid, which is part of why he wants to go to the Blackfoot Braves Society Summer Camp. But when you're the son of Clifford Brady, millionaire CEO of Brady Technologies, even the hills of Montana aren't far enough away. Immediately singled out by Craig, the camp bully, Jackson begins to regret his summer plans. Thankfully, he finds friends in fellow campers, and semi-outcasts, Austin and Mazzy, as well as Bill, the head counselor.
Jackson's favorite part of camp is hearing old Blackfoot legends and stories. The one he likes best is about Ma-Tas-Kah, the Sta-au (evil spirits), and the three chosen warriors. The warriors have yet to have been found, but when the time is right, they will save the people and the land from the evil Sta-au.
Jackson has been looking forward to the three day hike since he read about the camp, but Craig the bully picks him and his friends to stay and guard the camp, instead. Bill takes pity on them and gives them a treasure map to follow. While following the map, a freak storm rolls in. The three kids are forced to hide in a strange cave. There they find out that the legend might just be true. And they just might be the chosen warriors.
Such a fun story! I never got to go to summer camp, and now I'm even more disappointed. This would be so cool! Easy to read and fun enough to keep the youngest boy interested, not to mention the great illustrations. If there really were a camp like this, I would be there in a second!
Jackson Brady desperately wants to be an average kid, which is part of why he wants to go to the Blackfoot Braves Society Summer Camp. But when you're the son of Clifford Brady, millionaire CEO of Brady Technologies, even the hills of Montana aren't far enough away. Immediately singled out by Craig, the camp bully, Jackson begins to regret his summer plans. Thankfully, he finds friends in fellow campers, and semi-outcasts, Austin and Mazzy, as well as Bill, the head counselor.
Jackson's favorite part of camp is hearing old Blackfoot legends and stories. The one he likes best is about Ma-Tas-Kah, the Sta-au (evil spirits), and the three chosen warriors. The warriors have yet to have been found, but when the time is right, they will save the people and the land from the evil Sta-au.
Jackson has been looking forward to the three day hike since he read about the camp, but Craig the bully picks him and his friends to stay and guard the camp, instead. Bill takes pity on them and gives them a treasure map to follow. While following the map, a freak storm rolls in. The three kids are forced to hide in a strange cave. There they find out that the legend might just be true. And they just might be the chosen warriors.
Such a fun story! I never got to go to summer camp, and now I'm even more disappointed. This would be so cool! Easy to read and fun enough to keep the youngest boy interested, not to mention the great illustrations. If there really were a camp like this, I would be there in a second!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews