Gorgeous! Epic! Transporting!

One of my librarian colleagues took this book out of the running for our Mock Newbery early (back when the title was "The Dowser's Son") because of a couple lines right at the book's opening: "...he'd not been with a woman in a long time. Without thinking he said, 'Well, I reckon I could marry you.'" Out of context, I can see how this might make the book seem too mature for the Newbery age range (up to and including 14-year-olds). But I think this is a [b:Higher Power of Lucky|62151|The Higher Power of Lucky (The Hard Pan Trilogy, #1)|Susan Patron|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1399772267s/62151.jpg|60390] scrotum-esque fallacy. Adolescents are not necessarily going to read "been with a woman" as "had sex with a woman" so they won't necessarily go so far as to read that line as, "he was horny," which is how most adults would read it. Just like how kids aren't scandalized by reading the world "scrotum." Which is to say, I'm going to argue that this should totally be included in our Mock Newbery. In fact, it just jumped to the top of my list.

Now back to the actual book. I would put The Water Seeker in a class with [b:Anne of Green Gables|8127|Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1)|L.M. Montgomery|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1390789015s/8127.jpg|3464264] and [b:Sarah Plain and Tall|106264|Sarah, Plain and Tall (Sarah, Plain and Tall, #1)|Patricia MacLachlan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327254558s/106264.jpg|2674739], i.e. excellent historical fiction about families and communities. They have drama, humor, and the fascinating details of an earlier time in history. They're beautifully written. The characters seems real enough to touch.

This story's hero is Amos Kincaid. Amos is born in 1833. His father is a beaver trapper, but he also has a special talent passed down to him from generations of Kincaids: he can find water in the ground. Amos inherits this skill, but it's a long time before he can use it.

Amos loses his mother at birth and is raised by a patchwork of communities: a minister and his wife at a mission near an Native American community, a family farm run by a widow and her six sons, traveling with his father and his new Shoshone wife, and on the Oregon Trail in a community of people seeking their fortunes out West. Along the way, the spirit of his mother follows him, almost haunting the women who come into his life.

There's so much in this story it's hard to believe it's just 300 pages. A sampling of the issues addressed: inheritance, domestic violence, racism, first love, death, what it means to be a family (or a tribe), and what it means to grow up and become a man. It's a beautiful story, filled with memorable characters, moments of joy and sadness, and a satisfying conclusion. ( )

A family saga of rough conditions along the Oregon Trail highlights a young man’s coming of age and the gift he and his father share of sensing where water can be found.

I enjoyed this tale of pioneer life and especially Will Patton's narration. It certainly points out how difficult life was for pioneers from death during childbirth or smallpox infestations or accidents. But it also points out how when people work together they can all thrive. ( )

Narrated by Will Patton. I'm glad I listened to this instead of reading the book! Will Patton truly brings this Oregon Trail tale alive by affecting a countrified tone and accent. From the gruff trapper Jake to lighthearted Daisy, every character has a strong presence that enhances the literary experience. It is fascinating to hear Amos' life story unfold, although the dowsing aspect didn't seem to play as much a role as Amos' journey of maturity along the Trail did. A minor quibble though; this story is a journey well worth taking. ( )

Holt is one of my favorite creators of memorable characters in a great story - she shines again. The story begins in 1833 and ends in 1859, set in Arkansas territory and includes a trip crossing the Oregon trail. Amos lost his mother at birth and his wanderer/trapper father Jake brings him to live with Jake's brother and wife. This family falls apart following sickness, the neighbors take him in and then his father returns for him with his new Indian wife. Then the trip west. ( )