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American Girl History Mysteries #7
Trouble at Fort La Pointe
In the early 1700s, twelve-year-old Suzette, an Ojibwa-French girl, hopes that her father will win the fur-trapping contest so that he can quit being a voyageur and stay with his family year-round, but when he is accused of stealing, Suzette must use her knowledge of both French and Ojibwa ways to find the real thief.In the early 1700s, twelve-year-old Suzette, an Ojibwa-French girl, hopes that her father will win the fur-trapping contest, but when he is accused of stealing, Suzette must use her knowledge of both French and Ojibwa ways to find the real thief.
163 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
12 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ernst
57 books379 followersI grew up in Maryland, in a house full of books! Both of my parents were avid readers, thank goodness. Before we traveled to a new area, my librarian-mom used to bring home historical novels set in that place. It was a great way to get excited about history.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
I began writing stories when I was maybe 10 or 11. At 15 I wrote my first novel; I sold my first novel to a publisher 20 years later! Writing was my hobby, so during those two decades I just kept practicing, reading, writing some more. What a thrill to finally hold my first book in my hand! Still, I write because I enjoy the process (at least most of the time).
For years I wrote while working at other day jobs. I spent 12 years working at a huge historic site, which was a perfect spot for someone interested in historical fiction. I also developed and scripted instructional videos for public television. Finally, though, it got to be too much to juggle. I now write full-time, and consider myself enormously fortunate to do something I love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 13, 2020
I thought that this mystery was relatively average, but I am giving the book four stars for its uniqueness and well-researched cultural setting. The story follows a mixed race girl as she navigates different tensions in her family and community, and the author does an excellent job of illustrating common dilemmas for children who do not fully fit into one race and culture or another. This character has an Ojibwe mother and a French father, and the book provides a sense of their warm, joyful, and loving family while also engaging with tensions that they would feel because of their different backgrounds.
The mystery allows the main character to draw on both the French and Ojibwe aspects of her education and experience, and I appreciate how the character arc resolves at the end. Even though the mystery isn't fantastic, it is suspenseful enough to keep children guessing, and they can learn an incredible amount of historical information throughout the process. The author includes lots of realistic, well-researched details related to Ojibwe life, French trading systems, and the tragedies and joys that could result from intermarriage and new connections. She is very clear, especially in the historical note at the end, that European contact had devastating consequences for native populations, but this book shows a picture of life that rarely gets seen or acknowledged in fiction or historical literature.
When I studied history in college, it fascinated me to learn about how many European men intermarried with native tribes, leaving behind their cultures and families of origin. Even though it makes sense for broad-brush historical narratives to focus on the conflicts between different groups, these perspectives often erase mixed-race people and their experiences from history. It also assumes that people are destined to be pitted against each other in struggles for power, without understanding that at a micro level, many people from totally different backgrounds built lives together. Even though this book doesn't romanticize the past, and acknowledges the harsh reality of how some men intermarried and then abandoned their families, it shows how some white men became part of indigenous communities and adopted their culture.
This book does a great job of including balanced perspectives. The author addresses the negative aspects of European involvement in traditional indigenous cultures, but also shows how very different people fell in love and raised children together. This book provides an interesting perspective into what a mixed-race family's experience might have been like in the mid-1700s, and even though I would only give the mystery three stars, the character arc, complex world-building, and sense of the time period were spectacular, and I am very glad that I read this.
The mystery allows the main character to draw on both the French and Ojibwe aspects of her education and experience, and I appreciate how the character arc resolves at the end. Even though the mystery isn't fantastic, it is suspenseful enough to keep children guessing, and they can learn an incredible amount of historical information throughout the process. The author includes lots of realistic, well-researched details related to Ojibwe life, French trading systems, and the tragedies and joys that could result from intermarriage and new connections. She is very clear, especially in the historical note at the end, that European contact had devastating consequences for native populations, but this book shows a picture of life that rarely gets seen or acknowledged in fiction or historical literature.
When I studied history in college, it fascinated me to learn about how many European men intermarried with native tribes, leaving behind their cultures and families of origin. Even though it makes sense for broad-brush historical narratives to focus on the conflicts between different groups, these perspectives often erase mixed-race people and their experiences from history. It also assumes that people are destined to be pitted against each other in struggles for power, without understanding that at a micro level, many people from totally different backgrounds built lives together. Even though this book doesn't romanticize the past, and acknowledges the harsh reality of how some men intermarried and then abandoned their families, it shows how some white men became part of indigenous communities and adopted their culture.
This book does a great job of including balanced perspectives. The author addresses the negative aspects of European involvement in traditional indigenous cultures, but also shows how very different people fell in love and raised children together. This book provides an interesting perspective into what a mixed-race family's experience might have been like in the mid-1700s, and even though I would only give the mystery three stars, the character arc, complex world-building, and sense of the time period were spectacular, and I am very glad that I read this.
September 18, 2019
I first read this book when it came out. I was ten. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I even did now. Maybe because it took me longer to read. But it was a cool setting about an interesting group of people.
It’s 1723. 100 years after the mayflower first landed in Massachusetts but still several decades from the revolutionary war era colonies we so associate this century with.
We learn about a far off region of early America. Northern Wisconsin on Lake Superior, where French people coexisted with the local Native American tribe, the Ojibwe. But they not only did that, they created families together, creating a mixed race group of people they called Métis. These people struggled with their mixed race identities. The community here thrived on the fur trade route between La Pointe Island and Montreal. The fur trade was extremely important in shaping American history of that region.
Our story is about a Métis girl name Suzette, whose father is a voyageur- one of the paddlers in the fur trade route. Their community held a trapping contest, which her father enters, hoping to pay off his debt and remain at home with his family that winter. But when some of the furs are stolen, and Suzette’s father is blamed, she will stop at nothing to prove his innocence and keep her family together. Through this, she finds pride in her mixed race identity, because if it weren’t for both cultures being a part of her life, she wouldn’t have been able to uncover the truth. The story has a happy ending of course, which is sweetened by some of the outcasts in her community also finding friendship and comfort in who they are.
It’s 1723. 100 years after the mayflower first landed in Massachusetts but still several decades from the revolutionary war era colonies we so associate this century with.
We learn about a far off region of early America. Northern Wisconsin on Lake Superior, where French people coexisted with the local Native American tribe, the Ojibwe. But they not only did that, they created families together, creating a mixed race group of people they called Métis. These people struggled with their mixed race identities. The community here thrived on the fur trade route between La Pointe Island and Montreal. The fur trade was extremely important in shaping American history of that region.
Our story is about a Métis girl name Suzette, whose father is a voyageur- one of the paddlers in the fur trade route. Their community held a trapping contest, which her father enters, hoping to pay off his debt and remain at home with his family that winter. But when some of the furs are stolen, and Suzette’s father is blamed, she will stop at nothing to prove his innocence and keep her family together. Through this, she finds pride in her mixed race identity, because if it weren’t for both cultures being a part of her life, she wouldn’t have been able to uncover the truth. The story has a happy ending of course, which is sweetened by some of the outcasts in her community also finding friendship and comfort in who they are.
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March 29, 2023I loved the family dynamics in this story and the character of Suzette -- she's spunky, but recognizes when she makes a mistake and knows to respect her elders and to be polite. She was very likable. The book was clearly very well-researched and the writing was exceptional. I enjoyed learning more about the Ojibwe tribe and the Métis people in the early eighteenth century. I really enjoyed it!
Book 6/264 (2.27% of the way done)
I am currently in the process of reading all 260-ish American Girl fiction books in chronological order according to the years in which they take place. It's a project I decided to start just for fun, since I have many of the books already in my own personal collection. It will probably take me several years, but I'm hoping to leave a review for each book. Follow along if you're interested! :)
Book 6/264 (2.27% of the way done)
I am currently in the process of reading all 260-ish American Girl fiction books in chronological order according to the years in which they take place. It's a project I decided to start just for fun, since I have many of the books already in my own personal collection. It will probably take me several years, but I'm hoping to leave a review for each book. Follow along if you're interested! :)
February 17, 2016
This story is about a girl named Suzette Chaoudoir, who is part French, part Ojibwe Indian. Her father is a trapper and has entered a contest about who can get the most skins. If he loses, he would have to spend time away from his family, working with other trappers.
Things start off bad when the canoes he and Suzette are transporting the furs in leak after someone sabotages them. Things get worse when her father is suspected of stealing some furs and it looks like their entire family could end up becoming outcasts.
Suzette and her friend set out to find the truth and prove her father innocent, but it's a dangerous journey and both girls could end up losing their lives.
It's another decent story in the somewhat mis-named "History Mysteries" series.
Things start off bad when the canoes he and Suzette are transporting the furs in leak after someone sabotages them. Things get worse when her father is suspected of stealing some furs and it looks like their entire family could end up becoming outcasts.
Suzette and her friend set out to find the truth and prove her father innocent, but it's a dangerous journey and both girls could end up losing their lives.
It's another decent story in the somewhat mis-named "History Mysteries" series.
March 6, 2022
I was nervous to read this because I couldn’t stand the Kaya books, but also optimistic because I have enjoyed this author in the past. The final result is that this book is pretty middling. I wasn’t bored, but I wasn’t all that engrossed either.
The mystery portion of this book kind of confused me, or perhaps I wasn’t paying attention well enough. There were a lot of similar characters and I struggled to keep track of who was whom sometimes. I was interested to learn about the fur trade, but I felt I never completely understood how the French and Ojibwe were working together.
Yeah, not much more to say about this book. If the characters had been a bit more compelling, I might have enjoyed it more. Only the grandmother seemed to have any degree of complexity.
The mystery portion of this book kind of confused me, or perhaps I wasn’t paying attention well enough. There were a lot of similar characters and I struggled to keep track of who was whom sometimes. I was interested to learn about the fur trade, but I felt I never completely understood how the French and Ojibwe were working together.
Yeah, not much more to say about this book. If the characters had been a bit more compelling, I might have enjoyed it more. Only the grandmother seemed to have any degree of complexity.
August 14, 2021
The surprise element is good though it feels like certain details are missing.
June 22, 2022
Interesting storyline - I enjoyed the culture parts of the story
April 25, 2020
Suzette is a 12 year old girl living in 1732. She has a French trapper father and Ojibwe mother, making her Métis. She loves her home near Fort La Pointe and Lake Superior, and getting to experience the culture of both sides of her family-until a bit insults her blue eyes and she begins to have doubts about having a mix of cultures. Things only get worse for Suzette when her family is targeted leading up to the voyagers return and the trapping competition that her father hopes to win. When he is framed for a theft, Suzette will need to draw strength from both sides of her family and embrace the unique skill set she has in order to prove her father’s innocence.
I read this book as a child when it first came out, but didn’t remember anything about it prior to rereading. I definitely enjoyed my reread of it and now I’d like to reread more of the American Girl History Mystery series. This one was a pretty decent mystery, although I did have some idea of how it might end it was still a satisfying read and I think would be enjoyed by the target age range. There was a good bit of suspense, and the setting and history included throughout were interesting as well. I think some of Suzette’s struggles would be relatable to kids in a similar situation who feel like they have to choose between two cultures, although I don’t fit into this group myself so can’t say for sure. I think at times it bordered onto stereotypical ideas being mixed causing confusion, but the resolution of Suzette being empowered and valuable for her unique outlook made a nice conclusion.
The Peek into the Past section at the back gave an honest look at the problems presented by colonization and the challenges faced by Métis people. I might expect a book written today to delve into the issues a tiny bit more critically, but given that this was published 20 years ago I found it pretty decent.
I read this book as a child when it first came out, but didn’t remember anything about it prior to rereading. I definitely enjoyed my reread of it and now I’d like to reread more of the American Girl History Mystery series. This one was a pretty decent mystery, although I did have some idea of how it might end it was still a satisfying read and I think would be enjoyed by the target age range. There was a good bit of suspense, and the setting and history included throughout were interesting as well. I think some of Suzette’s struggles would be relatable to kids in a similar situation who feel like they have to choose between two cultures, although I don’t fit into this group myself so can’t say for sure. I think at times it bordered onto stereotypical ideas being mixed causing confusion, but the resolution of Suzette being empowered and valuable for her unique outlook made a nice conclusion.
The Peek into the Past section at the back gave an honest look at the problems presented by colonization and the challenges faced by Métis people. I might expect a book written today to delve into the issues a tiny bit more critically, but given that this was published 20 years ago I found it pretty decent.
January 10, 2024
This was by far the best history mystery by American Girl. I really enjoyed reading about the Ojibwe people, how they lived, and their culture too. Suzette (the protagonist) was a good character. She was brave, a strong heroine, and resilient. She never gave up even when things got tough. What I also liked about her was when she was talking about her identity (she's half French and half Ojibwe) and coming to terms to accept both of her worlds. The author described the canoes, paintings, decoration garments, and decorating techniques beautifully. I was always intrigued when she was describing them. This book also has simple French and Ojibwe vocabulary that is either basic (merci) or relevant to the subject matter (memengwaa), and a glossary with pronunciation guide is included at the end of the book.
Trouble at Fort Lapointe is one of the more engaging mysteries in the series. I would love to get my own copy (since the one I have is from the San Juan Community Library).
Trouble at Fort Lapointe is one of the more engaging mysteries in the series. I would love to get my own copy (since the one I have is from the San Juan Community Library).
July 2, 2022
I enjoyed this book in the series. Suzette very much feels like a real character. I love that the story addresses navigating multiple heritages. The mystery was solid, although the ending felt anticlimactic. I wished for a little more development between Suzette and Two Fish, but otherwise, great book in this series.
June 4, 2022
I really liked the historic aspect of this book, but the plot was very readable. The characters were a bit predictable as well. But I learned a lot about the trapping and Indians herbal ways, which I thought was neat.
March 31, 2023
I had read this book out of curiosity. I enjoyed reading this book because of the drama, history, and mystery. I loved that the story was set in Canada. I thought the novel was well written. It is a must read.
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January 12, 2025I'm glad Suzette realized she was . It was also interesting to see the influence that French and fur trading had on Native American culture, and how things rapidly changed.
March 16, 2022
Cute story for elementary kids.
February 10, 2023
It didn't really grab me. Loved the writing though.
April 17, 2023
This book looks good I've never heard of American History girls mysteries well it looks interesting saying I'll try reading it maybe maybe not
May 27, 2024
So far my least favorite of the series I have read. *Full review to come*
April 5, 2025
Maybe the best History Mystery? I love this one. Excellent world building, great characters and development, and the mystery leaves little clues but it's not so easy. A+
February 20, 2019
A great installment in the series. I love reading about the voyageurs, and this book was both informative and entertaining. Mysteries in children's books are usually pretty easy to figure out, but I found this one to be satisfying.
March 6, 2010
The year is 1732. Twelve-year-old Suzette is a part of two worlds - her father is a French fur trapper and her mother an Ojibwe Indian. Every winter her father has to leave the family's home on Lake Superior and journey to far-off Montreal. However, if he can come up with enough money to pay off his contract, he will be allowed to remain with his family year-round. To that end, he has entered himself in a fur trapping competition; whoever traps the most pelts wins. Suzette is positive her father will win. Until the competition is sabotaged and some of the pelts stolen. What's worse, Suzette's father is the chief suspect. If Suzette doesn't find proof of her father's innocence by catching the real chief, he will be banished into the wilderness, along with his family. So with the help of her friend Gabrielle, and using her knowledge of both French and Ojibwe ways, she determines to find the real culprit. Recommended for young girls who enjoy historical fiction and who enjoyed other books in the series.
April 14, 2017
Ahhh. Finally got around to finishing it!
I thought it was really good. It was simple, but not dumbed down or anything. And it was a really interesting time and place to read about! I quite enjoyed it. The mystery was good, too, and was wrapped up well. The ending felt very complete, which is great in such a story. I didn't see that ending coming--which for me, makes it all the better. It was fresh, original.
(That's all I can come up with for right now. It doesn't totally sum up my feelings, but it's as close as I can currently get. May add more later.)
I thought it was really good. It was simple, but not dumbed down or anything. And it was a really interesting time and place to read about! I quite enjoyed it. The mystery was good, too, and was wrapped up well. The ending felt very complete, which is great in such a story. I didn't see that ending coming--which for me, makes it all the better. It was fresh, original.
(That's all I can come up with for right now. It doesn't totally sum up my feelings, but it's as close as I can currently get. May add more later.)
January 28, 2015
This is a very good book with a fascinating time period. I really enjoyed this book. It was a very interesting and good read. It was very well-written - another good History Mystery by Kathleen Ernst!
February 20, 2009
Not bad, a little longer than the original American girls collection, but still not the greatest thing I've ever read.
May 28, 2019
Interesting read. Nice portrayal of the Ojibwe tribe, native to my state, so this was a favorite for State History lit. projects for my family.
December 6, 2018
I really love this series, stories of young girls who learn important life lessons, make friends, and teach the readers about history. Another nice story.
October 2, 2014
Decent read
March 31, 2015
Loved it!!
August 20, 2012
ojibwe tribe. Good read. 8+.
May 31, 2018
There is a reason why it was given "Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominee for Best Children's Mystery!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews