Bookworm for Kids: Reviews for children books – from toddlers to teens and everything in between. Author Tonja Drecker’s award-winning book blog reviews Stone Man and the Trail of Tears:
This is a tale which transports readers back into history but in such a way that hits home and leaves a mark.
The Trail of Tears was an awful moment in history, and this is where we meet twelve-year-old Tsatsi. His family has been chased out of their village and runs away in hopes of not being found and slaughtered. The journey is perilous, and Tsatsi, along with his young sister, are separated from their family. Things become much more dire when the younger sister falls ill and is kidnapped by the ‘evil’ Stone Man. Tastsi, determined to save her, discovers that the rumors surrounding Stone Man might not be all they seem, and there is perhaps hope after all.
From the very first page, there is non-stop action and tension. The author throws Tsatsi and his family into the deadly situation right away and doesn’t let their struggles dampen the entire way through. Although historical, the author does a terrific job and presenting Tsatsi and his sister in a way young readers will easily connect to. Their thoughts, hopes, and dreams might be different than those which modern children face, but in many respects, they are similar too. It’s easy to root for Tsatsi and hope the family pulls through unharmed.
While this is an exciting read, there are many more layers added in. Tsatsi is out in the wilderness and needs to overcome some very natural (and dangerous) situations. Survival fans are sure to find several scenes interesting and maybe learn something new along the way. There’s also the historical aspect, which allows young readers a very up close look at this sad historical event. It’s presented in a way young readers will understand and sympathize with, while still holding it very age appropriate. Add the themes of friendship, sibling relationships, and the wonder of seeing past rumors to the truth, and it’s an inspiring mix.
