Frost,
Helen. Salt. Macmillan/Farrar
Strauss 2013 138p $17.99 ISBN 978-0-374-36387-1 ms/jr Historical fiction E-BN
Salt,
Helen Frost’s most recent novel-in-verse, is set in Fort Wayne, Indiana Territory, during the War
of 1812. Tensions are running high
between the Native American Miami community and the nascent frontier
town. As traders, James’s family has ties to
both groups, and when trading stops, precious commodities like salt are
withheld. James and Anikwa must decide
where their deepest commitments lie. It
is a test of friendship and values.
On alternating pages, in verse that resembles the stripes of the American Flag (James) and Miami-basket weave patterns (Anikwa), Frost provides a unique insight into the concerns and emotions on both sides of the conflict -- particularly the Native American perspective, which is often glossed over or ignored. Frost also includes notes on the various traditions and historical events she references.
On alternating pages, in verse that resembles the stripes of the American Flag (James) and Miami-basket weave patterns (Anikwa), Frost provides a unique insight into the concerns and emotions on both sides of the conflict -- particularly the Native American perspective, which is often glossed over or ignored. Frost also includes notes on the various traditions and historical events she references.
Summary: Anikwa’s and James’s friendship in the frontier settlement of Fort Wayne is tested by
the tensions between the British and Americans.
Natives of North America-Fiction, Indiana Territory-Fiction
--Hilary Welliver
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