From School Library Journal Grade 5-8-This is the third installment of Tyler Bohannon's exploits, following Bigger (1994) and Sooner (1998, both Atheneum). It is now 1867, and the teen, with the blessing of his mother and stepfather, sets off from St. Joseph, MO, hoping to find independence and success in the West. Accompanying him are his beloved dog and his closest friend, freedman Isaac Peerce. After initial difficulties, Tyler and Isaac find work on the keelboat Darlin' Nell, headed upriver into rough country on its way to Fort Benton in Montana Territory. When the crooked captain faces a crisis during a trading stop, he saves himself by selling the young adventurers to the Sioux. As captives, the boys must work hard and learn strange new ways quickly. Much to their surprise and Tyler's chagrin, Isaac is cherished and favored by the Indians because of his dark skin. Tyler bitterly ponders questions of race and justice, while Isaac must choose whether to join his friend in an escape attempt or remain in his new, privileged life within the tribe. Though somewhat melodramatic, the plot moves along swiftly, and engaging characters combine with convincing historical details to attract and retain reader interest.
