Enemy in the Fort

Children's Literature

After an Abenaki Indian raiding party captures their parents and infant brother, Rebecca Percy and her sister Selinda move in with Widow Tyler at the fort on the edge of the New Hampshire wilderness in 1752. Two years later they still await word that their family members will return. In the meantime, they work to earn their keep. When a white boy who was raised by the Indians is taken in temporarily by the widow, Rebecca distrusts his preference for the Indian way of life. She begins to believe, like others, that he is responsible for a rash of thefts in the fort, including the disappearance of the two silver spoons left to her and Selinda by their parents. Her discovery of the truth makes Rebecca question her beliefs about him and herself. One of the "American Girl History Mystery" series, the book contains a factual appendix on the fort and 1754, the start of the French and Indian War. An engaging mystery, this book would supplement a history class on the period. 2001, Pleasant Company, $9.95 and $5.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson

VOYA

A British colonial during the French and Indian War, twelve-year-old Rebecca Percy sees Indians capture three of her family members and burn her house. She and her younger sister move to the safety of a nearby fort. Two years later, Rebecca must overcome hatred and fear when Isaac, a white boy raised by the Abenaki tribe and considered an Enemy in the Fort, joins her new household. Rebecca struggles to buy her sister's indenture and suspects this white savage of stealing the silver spoons that could fulfill her plan. Instead, with little conflict or adjustment, he helps Rebecca, her sister, and the widow with whom they all live. Rebecca saves her sister, accepts Isaac's return to his tribe, and looks forward to reuniting with her parents and brother. Similar to Scholastic's Dear America series but without the journal format, the American Girl History Mysteries focus on historical events and anecdotal details. A full-color sketch of the world of the main character introduces each story. A nonfiction account explains the story's context. Providing inspiring content, idealistic themes, interesting plots, and happy endings, these books will be popular with middle school age girls and their parents. Illus. VOYA CODES:3Q 2P M (Readable without serious defects;For the YA with a special interest in the subject;Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2001, American Girl/Pleasant Company, l64p, $5.95 Trade pb. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer:Lucy Schall—VOYA, December 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 5)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Rebecca Percy's parents and baby brother have been kidnapped by the Abenaki Indians on the dangerous 1754 New Hampshire frontier, leaving Rebecca and her sister to seek shelter at Fort Number 4 with kindly Widow Tyler. The work is hard, but Rebecca never gives up hope that her family might have been sold to the French, who often ransomed captives back to the English. She reacts with fear and disgust, however, when the woman takes in Isaac, a white boy who has been raised by the Abenakis and remains loyal to them. Shortly after his arrival, a series of thefts occur among the settlers. Of course, Isaac is the logical suspect. The plot is carefully built with interesting and well-researched historical details. The mystery is also well crafted, and children will enjoy gathering clues and trying to guess the outcome. Characterizations are strong, with believable growth. For example, Rebecca develops empathy for the Abenakis, moving from a hateful attitude toward a greater understanding of their desperate situation. The relationships between the Native people and the settlers are complex, and are responsibly and respectfully presented.-Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.