Hidden Roots

by Joseph Bruchac

Hidden Roots tells the story of 11-year-old Sonny, a shy boy whose father's sudden rages are becoming more and more frequent. The love of his fragile mother, the support and protection of his Uncle Louis, and an unexpected friendship with a librarian help Sonny gain the confidence to confront hidden family secrets and discover the truth about his Native American roots, and the people in his family's past who tried to destroy their heritage.

Set in upstate New York in the 1950s, Hidden Roots is a novel that illuminates a startling truth about our history as only Joe Bruchac can tell it.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Native American, Cultural, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

208 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2004

About the author

Joseph Bruchac lives with his wife, Carol, in the Adirondack mountain foothills town of Greenfield Center, New York, in the same house where his maternal grandparents raised him. Much of his writing draws on that land and his Abenaki ancestry. Although his American Indian heritage is only one part of an ethnic background that includes Slovak and English blood, those Native roots are the ones by which he has been most nourished. He, his younger sister Margaret, and his two grown sons, James and Jesse, continue to work extensively in projects involving the preservation of Abenaki culture, language and traditional Native skills, including performing traditional and contemporary Abenaki music with the Dawnland Singers.

He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from Syracuse and a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the Union Institute of Ohio. His work as a educator includes eight years of directing a college program for Skidmore College inside a maximum security prison. With his wife, Carol, he is the founder and Co-Director of the Greenfield Review Literary Center and The Greenfield Review Press. He has edited a number of highly praised anthologies of contemporary poetry and fiction, including Songs from this Earth on Turtle's Back, Breaking Silence (winner of an American Book Award) and Returning the Gift. His poems, articles and stories have appeared in over 500 publications, from American Poetry Review, Cricket and Aboriginal Voices to National Geographic, Parabola and Smithsonian Magazine. He has authored more than 70 books for adults and children, including The First Strawberries, Keepers of the Earth (co-authored with Michael Caduto), Tell Me a Tale, When the Chenoo Howls (co-authored with his son, James), his autobiography Bowman's Store and such novels as Dawn Land, The Waters Between, Arrow Over the Door and The Heart of a Chief. Forthcoming titles include Squanto's Journey (Harcourt), a picture book, Sacajawea (Harcourt), an historical novel, Crazy Horse's Vision (Lee & Low), a picture book, and Pushing Up The Sky (Dial), a collection of plays for children. His honors include a Rockefeller Humanities fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Writing Fellowship for Poetry, the Cherokee Nation Prose Award, the Knickerbocker Award, the Hope S. Dean Award for Notable Achievement in Children's Literature and both the 1998 Writer of the Year Award and the 1998 Storyteller of the Year Award from the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. In 1999, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas.

As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native peoples of the Northeastern Woodlands, Joe Bruchac has performed widely in Europe and throughout the United States from Florida to Hawaii and has been featured at such events as the British Storytelling Festival and the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. He has been a storyteller-in-residence for Native American organizations and schools throughout the continent, including the Institute of Alaska Native Arts and the Onondaga Nation School. He discusses Native culture and his books and does storytelling programs at dozens of elementary and secondary schools each year as a visiting author.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in western New York State during the 1950s, Hidden Roots opens with eleven-year-old Sonny's reflection that he had always known there was something different about his mother, and by extension, his whole family. His mother's heartbreaking advice, that he should always be careful, and never let himself be "crept up on," is as apt an introduction to this short novel about a family's secrets, as it is possible to achieve.

Sonny struggles to understand the relationships between his perpetually angry and abusive father, Jake; his gentle mother, who is frequently sad and withdrawn; and Uncle Louis, the family's old French-Canadian hired hand. With his father making cryptic remarks about his not getting "foolish notions" from Uncle Louis, and his mother's stern response that he is "too young to understand" certain things, Sonny lives in a world consumed by unanswered questions. Why did any mention of the war (WWII) make his father so angry? What were the bad things that had happened to Uncle Louis in Vermont? Why had Sonny never met any of his cousins?

A quietly powerful story, utterly lacking in pretension or melodrama, Joseph Bruchac's Hidden Roots is a novel that focuses more on the narrator's perceptions than actual events, and is a lyrically-written exploration of how hidden and unmentionable realities somehow manage to touch and shape everything around them. The terrible long-term trauma inflicted upon the Abenaki people - forced to hide their identities in order to escape the involuntary sterilization and confiscation of their children that went along with Vermont's Eugenics Program - are encapsulated in one family's painful journey.

Joseph Bruchac is a gifted author, and this novel packs a real emotional punch - all the more so given the understated way that this sensitive topic is handled. Highly, highly recommended... I came away with a desire to learn more about this shameful and under-explored chapter of American history, and have decided to read an adult, non-fiction treatment of the topic: Nancy Gallagher's Breeding Better Vermonters: The Eugenics Project in the Green Mountain State .

[528_Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonny is a lonely 11-year old who lives in a not so peaceful household. He is picked last on the playground during basketball games, doesn't have many friends at school, and his father can be violent, working long hours at the paper plant in town. Sonny’s so called Uncle Louis visits often while his father is at work, showing him the wilderness and providing him with the comfort he doesn’t receive from his own father. Sonny finds solace in reading and the wonderful librarian who looks after him at school. Through their relationship, Sonny learns the truth about his uncle and is able to stand up to his father. Set in the 1960’s, Sonny uncovers the secrets of his families heritage and the history of the Native American people and events which led them into hiding. Through Sonny’s journey, Joseph Bruchac teaches the reader about the Native American Sterilization Program and the many laws affecting a large group of Native Americans in the 1930’s. Readers get a sense of the horrible discrimination and genocide occurring amongst the Native American population at that time.

Hidden Roots would be an excellent literature choice for 10 to 12 year old readers studying genocide. This text would coincide beautifully with other novels written about ethnic discrimination throughout our history. Rich discussions about family heritage, genocide, and acceptance could be gained from this text.

Students could also read other books written by Bruchac, comparing his various novels and picture books in an author study.

[Bertha Montaño · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Bruchac’s book is about a boy named Sonny who is 11 years old. He faces many challenges growing up with an abusive father. His father has a quick temper and loses control. Sonny continues to learn what conversations he should avoid having with his father. After Uncle Louise protects Sonny and his mother from Sonny’s father, he starts to control his temper and stops abusing them. Sonny’s father goes on walks when he gets angry to avoid taking it out on his family. While Sonny is going through changes at home, his school gets enough funding for a librarian. Sonny becomes friends with the librarian. He becomes fascinated with reading different Native American books. At the end of the story, Sonny discovers many family secrets. He learns that he is Indian and that Uncle Louise is his real grandfather. He also learns that a law in Vermont was passed that allowed for doctors to sterilize mentally ill or unintelligent people. His grandparents were sterilized without their knowledge for being Indians. I would use this book as a teaching tool to inform students about the injustices that have occured in our history. I was not aware that that even happened. Not being informed about those horrible events, makes it seem as though it is being erased from history. I believe it is something that should not be ignored. I believe that the book can teach students many things about life as they make connections with the characters of the book. Overall, I really enjoyed the book and I plan to read it again.

[Jessica Breighner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden Roots
1. Brief Summary
Once upon a time and place, there were people who thought it was alright to get rid of undesirable people through sterilization. So they passed laws that made it okay to surgically fix those undesirable people so they couldn't reproduce and create more people that would be considered undesirable to those who had passed the laws.The time was 1932. The place was Vermont, in the United States of America.
Hidden Roots follows five months in the life of young Howard Camp during the latter half of 1954. Howard knows he's different from the others--he just doesn't know why. He keeps to himself, and doesn't tell anyone at home about his violent father who throws the occasional punch at him and his mother.
An anchor in Howard's life is his Uncle Louis, an elderly man whom Howard knows isn't really his uncle, and a man that Howard's father, Jake, doesn't really want hanging around. Uncle Louis knows the woods, knows how to trap food and walk softly. And he knows something about hiding, as well:
As the months go by, Bruchac provides more and more hints to the reader about who Howard's family really is, and where they came from. Jake's constant anger is not so much from the extra hours he puts in at the mill, but from a self-loathing of his past--his heritage. And his mother's connection to Uncle Louis goes beyond mere friendship. So things don't necessarily become easier for the Camp family when Jake suffers a disabling accident and Uncle Louis has to move in and help out around the house, even though Howard likes the change:
All of which doesn't seem to tie back to the 1932 American-sponsored genecide I spoke of earlier in this review, does it? Trust me, it does. The unjust treatment of the Abenaki and Mohican Indians during the 20th century plays the central role in this story as Howard learns exactly why he's different from everyone else and why his family acts the way they do. It's all revealed in Howard's "Hidden Roots."
2. Potential Audience (Genre, Topic, and Reading Levels)
Topic is of cultural difference and acceptance. Owning and taking pride in who you are.
Genre is non-fiction
Reading levels are for fluent readers.
3. Specific Curricular
Fluent readers will find that this story is captivating in its style and heartbreaking in its historical anchor. Hidden Roots should be required reading for all middle school children. In fact, there are a fair number of adults who could benefit from Bruchac's tale.
4. Social Issues the book addresses
Cultural differences, History of Indian independence and ownership/acceptance.
5. Specific Literary Elements the book demonstrates
Joseph Bruchac writes with a very easy to follow style. It doesn't so much grab the reader, but rather puts a gentle arm around him and leads him down a path that must be walked in its entirety, not in bits and pieces

6. Interactions and Counteractions of text and image; How does the illustration help tell the story.
There are no illustrations in this book, but the text is vividly descriptive for the reader to follow and understand the plot.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published February 1st 2004 by Scholastic Press
Interest Level: 6th-8th Grade

Hidden Roots is a book that focuses on the life and treatment of Native Americans near Vermont during the 1950’s and the forced sterilization of the Native American population that occurred in the 1930’s. This story is about a boy named Sonny and his family heritage that he is largely unaware of for the majority of the book. Sonny continues to struggle with his identity, place in the community, and fractured family, through most of the book. Later on, Sonny begins to realize who Uncle Louis is, what culture he is from, why his family is so deeply fragmented over unsaid things, and what this all means to him and his future.
Students will be interested to find out about Sonny’s heritage throughout the book, and how his relationships with his father, mother, and Uncle Louis develop. There is a shocking, unforeseen ending that brings to the forefront important issues about the historical treatment of Native Americans in America. Additionally, students will be able to identify with Sonny’s character and will become invested in his search for truth and justice.

This insiders perspective written by Bruchac is a great way to introduce, explain, and understand this topic. Although this is a little known part of American history, it is extremely important to expose stories like this that focus on identity, culture, and events in American culture that are not widely known. Since this novel is written in a conversational tone it makes it extremely accessible for reluctant readers and middle school boys. The plot points and treatment of the Native American culture expose a nuanced understanding of history, culture, family, and identity that Sonny is forced to face at the end of the novel. Overall, a seemingly authentic account that exposes the reader to a topic that is not covered in many history books.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a poignant book, and it accomplished its message in a way so appropriate for its audience. I mean, none of this book is light-hearted, though it often appears so. It highlights the American government’s historical revisionism, the racism and forced sterilization of Native Americans, the struggles that forcibly integrated Native Americans face, not to mention the family struggles Sonny goes through.

All of it was just so wonderful and amazing, and it really reinforced what I’d learned in school about Native American history, and also made me learn quite a lot of new things! Unfortunately, it appears as though Native American fiction is one of the least known multicultural literature categories, and I don’t know why, especially when books such as these exist and authors such as Bruchac openly speak up about and against injustices.

Overall, this book revises what the family story genre constitutes as well as reconsiders what historical fiction can do (I mean, most historical fiction appears to be fairly romanticized even despite its accuracies). This book is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the literature world, and I can’t wait to read more of Bruchac’s work.

Review cross-listed here!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hidden Roots”
Eleven year old Sonny lives in upstate New York with his parents. He is an outsider, who doesn't quite fit in. While Sonny's father is distant and angry, his mother and "Uncle Louis" are very loving and supportive. But Sonny's family is keeping a dark secret, one which could greatly impact Sonny and his future. A secret that is tearing his family apart.
"Hidden Roots", winner of the 2003 American Indian Youth Literature Award, is most appropriate for middle school students (grades 5-9). Author Joseph Bruchac, a very prolific Native American writer, incorporates many cultural details from his own experiences as an Abenaki Indian. Like "Code Talker", another Bruchac novel, this story focuses on a hidden part of American Indian history. In this case, it is the Vermont eugenics project from the 1930's, which systematically tried to break apart what was left of the Abenaki culture. But the Abenaki, like Sonny and his family in the story, have remained strong and survived despite outsiders attempts to destroy them. This would be an appropriate book for a unit studying Native American history, particularly in the 20th century.

[Scarlett Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed at upper elementary or maybe low YA, which leads me to my biggest complaint about it. If it had been a book aimed at high-schoolers, I feel it could have gone into much more depth about the subject matter. However it had to be almost glossed over. The cover and title make it seem like a disturbing horror novel, but it's not.

My other complaint is kind of my own fault. Part of the book's enjoyment comes from information being slowly revealed over the course of the story. However, because I knew a bit about the author and the plot of the story before going into it, I was unsurprised and also kind of confused when I realized that certain things weren't supposed to be taken for granted at the beginning of the book. Ultimately, if the story were really strong I think it wouldn't matter how much you knew going in, so that's definitely a detriment.

Ultimately, I don't think this is Bruchac's best, but it gives a story that is probably not often told, so I'm glad it's out there and would recommend it.

[KerriRowland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Roots by Joseph Bruchac is a moving story about a young, teenager named Sonny and his broken family. A secret lingers over the family and is not revealed until almost the end of the story. We know that Sonny’s father, Jake is troubled and takes his anger out on his mother. The soft, loving nature comes from Sonny’s mother and Uncle Louis. The real world teaching comes from Uncle Louis, as he tries to mold and shape Sonny into an intelligent, hard working young man with a sense of culture. The descriptions of the settings seem to paint a beautiful image in the readers mind.

I enjoyed the book and found it to be a quick, easy read. I would direct this towards older grades such as 5, 6 or 7th grade. Some vocabulary may be difficult to understand. The only part that failed me as a reader is how long it took for the secret to become exposed. By the time it was exposed, the book ends, leaving me feeling like I needed more.

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Sonny struggled through childhood with an angry father, while trying to remain unnoticed at school. His loving mother and uncle, however, provide him with a solid foundation. As Sonny grows up, he discovers acceptance from his peers, while eventually learning about his family history and true Native American culture. He learns how the past has been the source of his father's anger and why his family has buried it. Over time, they bond together and begin to overcome as a family.

The author uses the character of Louis to serve as the largest tree with the deepest roots. He is Sonny’s bridge between the past and the present. Louis’ stories of Native Americans help subtly weave some cultural history through the text. This is a perfect read for grades 4 or 5, and includes themes of family, acceptance, and culture.

[Jennifer Mangler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Roots is a heartbreaking book about events that are too easily forgotten. Reading this in the winter of 2016, when we've seen so many ugly acts of racism and the Standing Rock Sioux have had to fight so hard to protect their water and tribal lands gives it extra poignancy and urgency. Bruchac has written a powerful story that more people should read.

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written coming-of-age story.
I enjoyed each and every page.

[Cort'Lin]

In this book i notice howard is trying to find himself. another thing i notice is that most of the book is in howard's house. The setting changes then and there like when howard goes to school. On page 11 you can see howard's mom it terrified of his dad. Also on page 11 the charters say ‘’I asked in a soft as moms she said it's safe. Throw out the story howard tells the readers how is dad is strange and how he barely shows his emotions.

The story shows how howard's dad is always causing trouble to the family. Howard constantly goes. Over his uncle's house to get away from his family The story shows us how their family can never be peaceful for long. In chapter a hand howard and his dad talk more than usual it seems like there are building a bond. The chapter tells us how howards dad tells him about a job. howard's dad tells him how the job went wrong and how he was supposed to get a lot of money but it never came in the mail.

Howard in this story has a difficult life and family. Howards day can be good at the start but always end bad. Howards mom goes throw the same thing because of his dad. His dad is always yelling at his mom and be causing stress to howard. Howard be filling like he has no one to talk to in his house. When this happens howard goes to his uncle louis to cope with his feelings and get it out of his head.

I think this story's theme is to show readers how a damaged family can be fixed. My personal opinion about this book is that this can help people that half to goes to these problems with there family is real life. The message that I think the author is trying to say is that there will be tough times in everybody's life but you must push through it and not let it stop you. The type of reader that will enjoy this book is the type that feels the connection that the author is trying to give. I personally like this book because of its details and message.

[Makiya]

The threat in hidden roots is Howard’s dad and his bullies had. Howard’s dad is physically abusive. He hit Howard’s mom in front of him. Which is one of the reasons Howard doesn’t like him,because of his anger issues you can tell Howard is scared of him because over the little things that he does he thinks his dad is going to yell at him for it. He was getting bullied in school by his peers. He never talked back he would just let them say what they wanted. One day he was at school and someone started a fight with him, there was a big crowd of kids cheering it on and he just wanted out. He didn’t even hit them back he just wanted to get out of the situation.

A new experience that was happening to Howard is him being a little more alone. Howard’s dad isn’t working anymore, which means he wasn’t bringing in any money. His mom had to get a job to try and him support the family. During this time his mom was always out and his dad was also. His dad was out because he was trying to get a check. At the time it was snowing so Howard decided to shovel people’s driveway for money. He got 6 dollars from it and put it towards the money for his family. Going through this experience made him wanna help out his family and he became a self less person.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming-of-age story about a youth, Howard Camp, who grows up knowing little to nothing about his ancestry. His father has anger issues; his mother and he often pay the price, and his Uncle Louis helps both of them despite his father's issue with the man.

The new school librarian helps Howard too with suggestions of what to read.

What is it about Uncle Louis that makes his father so angry? Who is Uncle Louis actually?

This is a book for children, but it definitely should be read by anyone. 3.5 stars actually.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book while searching for YA books that feature Native American children that I could incorporate into my seventh grade language arts class. While I liked this story, I couldn’t get past all of the errors in the book. The lack of editing is very unfortunate (“f” for “of”, “an” where it should be “a”, “know” in place of “no”, “as” instead of “at”, periods instead of question marks...the list goes on and on). I cannot in good conscience teach this novel to my seventh graders.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short easy read dealing with a bit of the eugenics movement in VT from a Native American perspective. A rare topic in children's books - this one is really just the story of a young boy and his family. Woven in between: the effects of war and missing a war, domestic violence stemming from anger issues, family secrets and more. Not too heavy handed which I was surprised by. Could be a good book for many of my students, but they never take it off the shelf. I'll have to booktalk it.

[Macy Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) This book is heavy, but hopeful
2) Joseph Bruchac tells about something in history, the Vermont Eugenics Project, that I'd never even known about before
3) The way in which Bruchac tells this story, and informs Sonny of his identity is so incredibly skillful
4) This book could lead to some really interesting conversations about transgenerational trauma and I hope that when we discuss this book in my children's literature class that this subject comes up somehow.

[Rebecca Watts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there were a good way to give three and a half stars. This was a quick read and would be a good introduction for kids (or adults!) about how eugenics has been used in U.S. history to the detriment of many. In this case, Abenaki Indians in Vermont, beginning in the 1930s and on up into the 1960s (according to the author's note at the end of the book). This is the first Joseph Bruchac book that I've read and I'm glad to have read it. I have an adult book of his on my "to read" pile.

[Semaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book Hidden roots has one main setting and one other secondary setting. The main setting is located in the chaotic household of Howard and his parents. The secondary setting is the school in which Howrd the protagonist atttends. The Historical c0nflict comes from his father but affects the family as a whole. The historical conflict is in the vietnam era, the father was affected by this because when sent back home for a short period of time he had a bike accident. This accident caused him a serious head injury. This injury would later prevent from going to war again and force him to work in the factories again. All of this would soon give him anger management issues that he let out on his family.

Howard the protagonist is a complicated and mentally troubled boy. I say this because the constant conflict in the house between his 2 pareents. Also the abusive father figure he has been exposed to. This has blatantly made an negative impact on him. Him dealing with this has put him in a antisocial and sad state of his life. Even while this has been happening his uncle louis has been a great supportive figure in his life.

A moment of trouble in the story was for howards father in his biker incident. This incident like I stated before put him in a complete alternate state in mind. Before this accident Howards mother explaind to Sonny/Howard that his father was caring supportive, but still had a slight temper. Howards father reacted in a negative way, by letting his now large temper to consume him. This then later turns him into a abusive uncaring figure in the story.

In my opinion on the book has changed from good to more of a dragged on story line. The overused and redundant plot for me has made the book boring and dragged on. The author adds on small bits and pieces of Howards school life and the new experiences hes having socialy but then later comes back to the arguing of the parents. I believe that a reader who enjoys conflict and social and inner struggle would enjoy this book. The book is based off of Howards constant inner and social struggle and how he deals with it. With that being said somone who likes conflict would LOVE this story.

[MelanieLBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book, but good. Sonny and his family comes to terms with their hidden roots as Native Americans. Touches on the discrimination and illegal sterilization of indigenous men and women in America. Intergenerational trauma. Healing through confronting the past and talking openly about it.

[Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful little read about an indigenous family that also tells the story of a dark chapter in American history. The characters felt so real, and the smaller, quieter scenes were so striking. Not much else to say, other than check this out!

[Kristi Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story about identity, culture, family and the dark period of eugenics in Vermont. The dedication at the start of the book becomes quite poignant after you finish. "To all those whose names are lost."

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of complicated subjects touched on in this book. I actually wish that it had been longer so that these subjects could be explored in more detail. Especially since children are the target audience: sometimes it can be harder for them to understand the subtle details.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done coming of age about an important age in our country.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this book!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me about another piece of US history I hadn't heard of before, and was filled with deep emotions. Not perfect, but very strong.

[Avery Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hidden Roots discusses a lot of interestingly complex topics at a level for younger readers. The main character, Howard, is only 11-years old but has been through enough to make him mature for his age. His father has bursts of rage that can get violent, his mother is quiet except for when she tells Howard to always be alert in case "they" come, and his Uncle Louis is very knowledgeable about the ways of the Indians from Vermont. As Howard becomes more aware of his place in the world, he learns a lot more about his family history than he ever would have guessed.

This book is misleading because, in order to not give anything away, the blurb on the back focuses on a completely different issue than the one the book actually deals with. I started this book thinking it was going to be about domestic violence, but that ended up being only a minor plot point (how?!). Although I did find the casual brushing aside of domestic violence to be aggravating, the Author's Note at the end cleared some things up in that regard. The actual plot of the book deals with government issues and the Eugenics Project, which is something that a lot of people don't know about, so this is still a very important book for people who don't understand what actually went on during that period of history.

[Rll52013_stephanieroche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book Hidden Roots by Joseph Bruchac more for the historical background that it provided rather than the plot, which was a little slow to develop. Sonny, the book's protagonist, is coming of age in this story and beginning to realize that there is a lot he doesn't know or understand about his family. A curious boy, he notices the subtle actions of the people around him and struggles to make meaning of it all. He thinks often of the Native American people living just outside of his town, and through the “clues” he provides the reader, we begin to make the connection that his beloved Uncle Louis has some connection to Native American culture. At the end of the story, Sonny discovers that he is, in fact, a descendant of the Abenaki people. He also learns that the reason this secret has been kept from him for so long has to do with the prejudices held against the Native American people, and the shocking sterilization of his own Abenaki people in the past.

I did not know much about this text before I picked it up, and because of that I had trouble following the plot of the story. I wondered where this was all headed – what was the conflict? I expected there to be a more distinct “problem” for Sonny tackle, and because of that, the story felt like it was very slow to develop. Having reached the end of the story I now understand that the true conflict is in Sonny discovering who he is and coming to terms with his family’s secrets. I found myself attached to him as the main character, as his curiosity and deep understanding of those around him seemed to greatly surpass his age. I was happy to see his family begin to reconcile at the end of the story, although I felt that the resolution was extremely oversimplified – dad simply agrees to stop hitting mom, and then hugs Uncle Louis, who he has hated throughout the entire story? This seemed a little too “happy ending” to me. As a reader, I was left with a lot of unanswered questions. Did Sonny’s dad know that Uncle Louis was actually Sonny’s grandfather? Did he know about the sterilization, or was this the first time he heard the story as well? What were the root causes for his anger and bouts of domestic violence? Was it related to the shame he feels for his and Sonny’s Native American heritage? Why should we believe that the abuse will stop, now that this family “secret” has emerged? What does this all mean for Sonny and his family, and how they are treated/viewed in the community?

I appreciated this story for the way that it brings to light the terrible plight of the Abenaki people (as well as many other Native Americans in our country), and the way that it connected these atrocities to the genocide of the Jewish people in World War II. Like I said, I was very interested in the historical aspect of this text, but I was left wanting more as far as the plot of the story/characters are concerned.

[Ryan]

The setting of the story takes place in Upstate New York. The time is around the 1950’s. It was during the time of the Vietnam war. The historical conflict is a small town in New York has war concerns. Except Howie’s family background. Howie is clueless to his father's actions which are physically and verbally abusing him and his mom.

Howie’s personal back story is that he was an Abenaki Indian and not white. That’s why uncle Louis always talked about the indians. Uncle Louis was the person to give this information to Howie. During that time Indians weren’t accepted for who they were so they had to fake it. Most of the new experiences are affecting Howie’s life in a good way. I know this because uncle Louis taught Howie how to be calm when his parents are arguing. Also how to be strong because when people bullied Howie he steal was strong and didn’t let it get to him.

A moment of trouble happened throughout the whole story, but it stemmed from the beginning of the novel. It was when Howie’s dad got into his accident. His dad was very malicious towards Howie and his mother. He used to beat up and verbally abuse on Howie’s mother in front of him. Also he was very spiteful to Howie’s great uncle, which is his mother's uncle. He wouldn’t want Howie hanging out with him, and when he came to the house he would leave. All this comes from the unknown reasons his father is Angry.

My opinion on this book is that it’s ok. I didn’t really like it that much. It didn’t catch my attention how I thought it would. It didn’t interest me so it did not have a big affect on me. The theme of the novel is that you can’t always trust your family members. I know this because throughout the book Jake ( Howie’s father) can’t act like an civilized father/uncle/nephew in law.