An American Ghost

by Chester Aaron, David Gwynne Lemon (Illustrator)

As flood waters sweep his house down the Mississippi River, a boy is joined by a mountain lion who is also trying desperately to stay alive.

Genres: Historical Fiction

189 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Chester Aaron was a prolific American author for both children and adults, and wrote novels, stories, and memoirs. Born in 1923 in the coal-mining town of Butler, Pennsylvania, he was educated at Butler Senior High School, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and San Francisco State University. He saw combat in World War II, and was with the troops that liberated Dachau. Following publication of his first novel in 1967, he was an x-ray technician at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, CA. He joined the faculty at Saint Mary’s College, retiring as a full professor in 1997. For twenty-five years he cultivated ninety varieties of exotic garlic on his farm in Sonoma County, becoming a world-renowned expert, and publishing a number of books on the subject. He died in 2019.

Reviews

[Jack Tompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not actually sure where to begin with this...it was all very strange. The foreword is beyond bizarre with Albie and his dad, and their friend killing two Indians (Why? Was it really necessary?) then just leaving their bodies in the grass. Secondly, Albie seems entirely unfazed that his entire house is floating down a river, with him on board. The lion appears to be as interesting as a tabby cat to him. Albie seems to be really upset about killing two goats (even after seeing two men killed) and doesn't seem at all scared about being kidnapped. Its as though its a minor issue to him. Albie keeps going for "Alice Anne". Who actually is this girl? We find out later she's about 9 years old, so why does Albie, 14, really care about her? The entire plot was lacking in so much emotion. Overall this was a really dull and boring read. Will not recommend.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

It rains for four days and then stops. Despite the rising waters, Albie doesn't think that the river poses any threat to his family’s farm. But five miles upriver, the flood waters breach the levee. Without warning, the water sweeps through the house, rocks it off its foundation, and carries it away. Albie is the only one home when this disaster strikes. The second story remains dry so Albie retrieves jars of food and other useful items floating in the water downstairs and takes them upstairs. Things do not seem too bad until a tree crashes into the house trapping the mountain lion stranded in its branches. After much struggle, the lion frees itself and moves into the master bedroom. Albie and the lion develop a respectful but cautious relationship with each other. Then thieves, who are looting the flood ravaged land, discover Albie. A flood, a lion, and thieves! What will Albie do to protect his house and save his life?
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Miss Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

gr 4-6 ? 189 pgs


1860s, frontier. Left home alone, Albie must somehow survive as the Mississippi River overflows its bankings sweeping Albie's house off its foundation. Albie discovers that an "American Ghost", a mountain lion, is trapped in the floating house along with him! Then, Albie finds himself in even worse trouble when he is kidnapped by thieves.

[Alison Byrne]

I read this book because it was the very first book on the fiction shelf of my school library. I had grand plans then to read everything...