Swift Arrow

by Josephine Cunnington Edwards

Colored leaves, red, yellow, and brown, fluttered past George as he rode behind Woonsak in the long string of Indians and ponies. They were riding north and moving quickly. So many Indians moved along the path that George, who rode near the front of the line, could not see the end when he turned around to look. The farther they went, the more unhappy George became. For with every step, Neko (his faithful pony) took him farther and farther from his home and from Ma and Pa. Even the fluttering leaves seemed like little hands waving good-bye all the day long.

So begins chapter seven of this beloved classic by Josephine Cunnington Edwards. George, a young pioneer boy is captured by Indians and raised as the son of a mighty chief. He spends his time learning the ways of these native Americans, and yearning for the day that he might find a way to return to his loving family.

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Stephen Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one when I was a boy and am currently re-reading it on line after all that time. Am amazed to find that (despite its religious overtones) I am still a little boy sitting in a chair, curled up, and lost in a world I wish I'd been kidnapped into. The adult in me cries out that it can't have been like that - the child thankfully ignores him.

[Michele The Bookish Tea Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic tale of colonial times and a pioneer boy being kidnapped by native Americans. My kids absolutely loved this book, as much as I remember loving it when I was their age. However, given the era we live in now, there are many problematic issues with this book. I found myself skipping passages or slurs while I was reading aloud and stopping to explain a lot of sections. I’m glad books like this exist and we can still read stories like this, but I’m also thankful for the knowledge we have now where we can examine both sides of the story and read with an open mind.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

When George was seven years old he got stolen by the Indians. For twelve years he lived with them and became the adopted son of a chief. He adapted very well to the Indian lifestyle but he never forgot his own home and longed to go back. Finally he found a way to escape and journeyed back to his home in Pennsylvania. This fascinating story has been passed down through his descendants and is now available for us to enjoy.

[Olivia Shipowick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…. This was an amazing book! So interesting! It’s so hard to find nowadays, and I had a copy. My dad told me to read it so I did, and I’m SO happy I did! Page turner for sure!

[Ginger Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books growing up. Probably one of the first that my mom read to me, and I read it at least two more times on my own. I'd like to read it again today to see if it holds up. The book was about a young white boy who was kidnapped and raised by Native American's who then escaped and found his way home after several years. It seems that my appreciation of indigenous cultures began with this book. I just remember wishing I could have grown up with the experience he had living with the natives.

Supposedly Josephine Edwards once lived in the house where my parents currently live in College Place, Washington.

Read approximately three times between 1977 and 1984.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retro adventure tale from 1967. I read this to my eight-year-old daughter, who absolutely loved it, but it definitely would not pass a test for political correctness. There were a couple things in the novel I felt I had to explain to my daughter (why we don't use the term "redskins," for instance). Most of the issues are with subtext though, so we just enjoyed reading this story together and didn't get bogged down with too much discussion. Edwards set out to write a fun and engaging story that also has a moral center. I think she succeeded, but if you don't contextualize this book and accept it as a product of the 1960s, you may not be able to enjoy it.

[Hereiamlord7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

good for the 10 -12 year olds

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, Very Good book.

[Alice Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swift Arrow's white name was George Boylan, A German boy originally from Germantown , Pennsylvania. George's parents and his best friend Robert's parents moved about 11 days away from Germantown to the wilderness and built log cabins to live in. At the time of thge Revolutionary War, when George was about 8 years old, the Indians kidnapped his friend Robert and him. George and Robert were split up, so George never knew what happened to Robert. The Indians moved George north to Lake Erie where he became the adopted son of Chief Big Wolf whose wife had died and left him-a little daughter Ewanah. For 12 years George, Swift Arrow trained to be a an excellent brave. Chief Big Wolf was getting old and he wanted Swift Arrow to marry Evanah. They were too much brother and sister to marry. Evanah his Indian sister wanted to marry another brave White Rain. Evanah ever his confident helped George to Escape.George even climbed the treetops to escape .The Indians gave up and George made it home. His parents were happy to see him and he married Robert's sister Becky. He told his children his many stories of himself and Big Wolf and the Indians and he built lis little girl a playhouse-an Indian wigwam.The Indians were good to George but there is no place like home.This is a true story.

[Дэниел Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swift Arrow by Josephine Cunnington Edwards
I personally think this is a great book! I read it when I was younger. It seemed a bit longer to me at the time but even with it only being around 200 pages the story is great, well in story perspective but in reality it's very sad, still recommend reading though. This book really activates your imagination about what the characters look like, sound like, and what the area looks like too. Personally I feel a connection to this book because like a lot of others homesickness is something I can relate to so it makes me experience all of Georges emotions throughout the book along with the area he is in because me and my grandpa went camping all the time and this book makes me feel like I'm with him camping again definitely going to re read this book many more times throughout my lifetime and I think you should too! This book shows that the world is full of danger but also filled with joy as long as you know what your doing and you are prepared for the consequences good and bad to come in your future to show you in your old age the experiences that define you.

[Emil Moldrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book of all time (besides the Harry Potter series). This book is about a boy named George who was captured by Indians and his friend Robert was along with him. Robert however was never seen again by George when Robert started screaming uncontrollably when the Indians captured them. But George cooperates with the Indians and they treat George very well, a couple years later, George becomes one of the head chiefs of the tribe. I would recommend this book to anyone because the book will catch your attention in a couple of sentences.

[Roxy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family enjoyed reading this story together

[Candida · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. A tale of the frontier life that is fun for the whole family.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid and recently rediscovered it. Surprisingly, the story still held up as an adult. It is a great story of perseverance and determination.

[Hunter McAvan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a gift when I was a young boy. I’ve always enjoyed it, it holds a special place in my heart. The story is easy to track and engages readers of all ages. Great book.

[Daughter Of Fire · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the boys is an imbecile.

[Abwarten und Tee trinken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, easy read and mind escape, moves at a good pace.

[Megan Leard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first/second grade teacher read this to us a couple times and even though I haven't read it myself for well over ten years, I would still say it's one of my favorites. And I will honestly say that yes a huge reason I love it so much is because it reminds me of story time. And that is a comfort I won't get back except for when I read this book.

[Annalore von Friedmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites!

I grew up reading this book and it has long remained dear to my heart. I even named one of my horses Neko, after Swift Arrow’s pony! Edwards crafted this tale with skill and it is a page-turner! Don’t miss out on this historic true story of a young German boy who was stolen by the Indians!

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read aloud for families!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great kid's book. Touching and a wonderful story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

all time classic children's book. My mom always read this to me when I was sick as a child. I highly recommend it!

[Eldon]

I read an earlier edition in the late 60's or early 70's.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this story for many years. It always keep me reading each chapter with the same excitement as my first reading.

[Lillian Mauricio · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a youngster and remember it still. It's one of my favorite books. I hope to one day find it in print again.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as I had remembered from my childhood.
But I am glad I re-read it.

[Dacky2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swift Arrow for the kids
The Frontiersman by Ekhert for the adults.

Not the same story, but similar places and time. One of Edwards best of her many young readers books.

[Craig Flint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book transported me back to being 12 years old on a Sabbath afternoon...