The Haunted Igloo. Grade 4-6– Overcoming fears, in this case, the fear of the dark and of peer rejection, permeates this story about a ten-year-old French-Canadian boy who moves to the Canadian Northwest Territories. Jean-Paul must also contend with a birth defect that earns him the nickname of o kalerk (rabbit) from the local Eskimo boys. The need to be accepted by them drives the boy to endure two tests in order to join their club: he must eat a raw fish and spend two hours in a “haunted” igloo; this second test turns deadly when the boys seal the entrance and leave Jean-Paul and his husky pup there. Interwoven into the story is the impending birth of a new sibling into the harsh climatic conditions. The premise of an abandoned igloo being occupied by evil spirits is a plausible one, especially since the setting for the story is the 1930s, the pre-TV and snow-machine era in the Arctic. Especially convincing is the anger Jean-Paul feels after recovering from his chilling ordeal, although his chief tormentor’s change from hostile accuser to loyal friend seems a bit contrived. The character development of a handicapped child is reminiscent of Jean Little’s characterizations in Mine For Keeps (Little, 1988). The intrigue of the bleak Arctic plus the icy adventure will provide warm winter fare for young readers. –Mollie Bynum, Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Review Boys, dogs, and adventure in the frozen North: classic appeals are served here in a well-told historical novel. — BCCB, 10/91
Fans of Gary Paulsen’s Woodsong will enjoy Turner’s fictional portrayal of the challenges of the harsh region. — Kay Weisman, Booklist 11/91
Jean-Paul’s successful rites of passage may strike a response in readers who enjoyed Gardiner’s Stone Fox . . . Paulsen’s Dogsong, and Woodsong. — Kirkus Reviews, 10/91
Mrs. Turner, I’ll give you a million dollars for that book!!! — Jedd: A student from Green Bay, Wisconsin
The empathetic characters provide an exciting and warm-hearted story. — The Horn Book Guide, 12/91
By Bonnie Turner, 5 customer review, 4 stars, Last price: 10.12 USD Kindle Price: $0.00
Get this free Kindle book from Amazon here : The Haunted Igloo
Another book delivered to you by Free Book Feed – specializing in free books online, free kindle books and free kindle booklists
No comments:
Post a Comment