Ernie Rydberg

I was surprised to see a book this old on the children's shelves at my library, & felt cautious about the social politics of that era being relevant now.
The historical event is told from the perspective of 2 fictional boys. It occurred in 1906, when a band of Ute Indians left the reservation to find somewhere else to live. At that time, Native Americans were considered US citizens and free to move about as they pleased. Yet white settlers were worried.
How would children react to seeing a tipi camp set up outside their small rural town? Full of curiosity, is the first answer (David wants to go out and visit). Based on assumptions from their school history (Bucky thinks he can trade some beads for something of value). Based on their parents' perspectives (Jeff says "they steal little kids and eat dogs").
This actually turned out to be a pretty good book. Lots of adventures, with David being snatched by a local man who wanted to place the blame on the Indians, Steven hunting the culverts, mineshafts & tree forts that he & David liked to play in. David tries to figure a way to escape or draw attention to his location. Snake Pete keeps rattlesnakes in his wagon to keep thieves from stealing the tribe's money kept there also. Lots of confusion, as their dog Rippy is constantly out of sight & they worry that he's been eaten. Kids learn how to be brave and take responsibility. Steven figures out who the suspect could be. The Utes are pictured as human, some honest, some impatient, some shoplifting (but pays when caught).… (more)