This is categorized as a murder mystery, but it's a morality tale. A twelve-year-old argues with himself over whether or not to kill a man who murdered and seriously injured many others, and stole livestock and captured his maimed father. The pacing is strange. The structure is weird. The descriptions and dialogue are great, though. The audience for this...I don't know. I wouldn't know who to recommend this to. ( )

It's been a while, but I remember thinking this is a great one for the boys especially. A quick read, pretty suspenseful, & coming of age, as I recall. The fact that I just saw it and remembered it keeps me from giving it a 5, because surly I couldn't have forgotten it if it were amazing. I need to get this into the hands of my kids pronto!

Update 2012: Just recommended this to a 7th grader who is liking it, and trying to get my 6th grader to read it. I read it again, and I'd say it's a good supplement to a westward expansion unit. Jeff, (Social Studies teacher) this is similar to Fortune in Men's Eyes in multiple ways. Also, ELA or elementary teachers, this is similar in difficulty, length, interested audience, and content (except that it's historical fiction) to On My Honor. ( )

Our whole class read this book. Everybody said it was very good. I liked it when it was the showdown Nathon vs Weasel. ( )