Set in 1811 against the dramatic backdrop of the dangerous Natchez Trace, this exciting historical novel tells the story of fourteen-year-old Zeb and eleven-year-old Hannah who team up to make their way safely down the trail from Franklin, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. Zeb, who does not believe the story he hears that his grandfather was killed by thieves along the trail, is determined to find him. Hannah, who miraculously escaped from the treacherous Mason gang, hopes to be reunited with both her Choctaw Indian friends and her family.
When the two daring young adventurers reach the Choctaw village, Zeb is befriended by the Indians and is rewarded for his bravery through initiation into the tribe. Reuniting Hannah with her family is only half of Zeb's goal. Can he find his grandfather? Is he even still alive?
As the children narrowly escape life-threatening situations along their journey, Zeb and Hannah learn to value each other's survival skills, courage, and determination.
"A fast-paced story set against the backdrop of the Natchez Trace in the early 1800s.... Broad strokes of historical details enrich the storyline. Zeb and Hannah are able to sustain themselves, and the plot, with their pluck and determination." --School Library Journal
"This story moves quickly and should be a good read for reluctant readers." --Kliatt
Leveling Information
Accelerated Reader
AR Quiz#: 32713
AR Reading Level: 4.5
AR Points: 7
F&P (Fountas & Pinnell)
F&P Level: T
F&P Grade: 4-5
Reading Counts
Reading Counts Level: 5.2
Reading Counts Points: 10
Reading Counts Interest Level: 6-8
Additional Info
Categories
History
Fiction
Adventure
Middle Reader
JAMES WATLING was born in England and lives in Canada, where he is a professor of art education at McGill University. He has illustrated over twenty-five books for children, including The Tree That Owns Itself (written by Gail Karwoski and Loretta Hammer); The Devil's Highway (written by Stan Applegate); Natchez Under-the-Hill (also by Applegate); and SeaMan (written by Gail Karwoski).
Updates Available: Updates Available: Update available for Picture Gallery Module