Trouble River

I read this as a kid, and was entranced. I wanted to make my own raft and go traveling on it, although I didn't live near a river. I lived in the suburbs. As an adult, I'm rereading books I liked so much as a kid, and I'm realizing: I liked a lot of "traveling in the wilderness" "stuck in the wilderness but there's a happy ending" stories then. As an adult, I dislike them. I have changed a lot as a person. Stories like these now give me anxiety. This one did, while simultaneously just being...really boring. I have zero clue of whether it's historically accurate. The rocking chair is made of magical wood, since it barely ever tips over, the grandma stays in it the whole time, and there's no real difficulty with it. It even survives show more rapids. The dog doesn't act like dogs I've known. Why is there never any mention of feeding him? I'm glad I at least know now that as an adult, I dislike this book. show less

An original, suspenseful story of pioneer life, enlivened by touches of humor and vivid characterizations

Dewey and Grandma are alone in the cabin on Trouble River. Before he left, Dewey's dad told them they would be safe . . .but Grandma feels in her bones that they are not. And when Dewey sees an Indian sneaking behind the cabin, Grandma says, "There's never just one Indian!" Then Dewey knows they have to leave--fast!
Dewey and Grandma make a quick escape on Dewey's handmade raft. Trouble River's name is no joke, and they are threatened by rocks and currents and wolves that attack in the night. Still they go on, past the burned-out ruins of their neighbors' homestead, until they reach the whilrling rapids. Now Dewey and Grandma face real danger, and they have to fight for their lives!

A very interesting book about a boy who helps his grandmother escape from Indians by taking refuge on his home made raft. Good for younger boys.

When he builds his raft, a twelve-year-old boy never dreams that it will serve as the sole means of escape for him and his grandmother when hostile Indians threaten their prairie cabin.
Lexile: 770

Under Review

00007870