Echohawk

Raised since the age of four as a son to Glickihigan, one of the Mohican warriors who massacred his parents in their Hudson Valley encampment, 13-year-old Echohawk (born Jonathan Starr) recalls only vague, disturbing impressions of his early childhood, and nothing of his natural family and native English tongue. Glickihigan, who like his own father has been schooled in the colonists' languages, sends Echohawk and his younger, Mohican brother to Saratoga-on-the-Hudson to live with a white teacher and his wife. The experience awakens in Echohawk long-buried memories and emotions, but the experiment in peaceful coexistence backfires when Echohawk overhears the teacher's plans to prevent him from ever returning to Glickihigan. First-novelist Durran imbues Echohawk's story with solid, atmospheric details about Mohican culture and history; endnotes provide further information about the Native peoples who figure in her story. Although some passages or conflicts seem rushed, the author shows a strong talent for characterization. Readers will be sorry to see the story end. Ages 10-14. (Sept.)