Reviews of Summer of the Bear

8/14/2019 Reviews of Summer of the Bear

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Reviews of Summer of the Bear Kevin Murphy’s Summer of the Bear , authored by Leigh Arrathoon,

is the recipient of the 2007 State History Award for Publications:

Books – Children and Youth. It is the first e ffort in an adventure-packed series of historical fiction. In this coming-of-age story, Kevin

and his best friend, Brock Tomlinson, set out to spend the summer atthe Tomlinson cabin in the Pigeon River Country State Forest. TheFrench Canadian boy next door takes the boys on a canoe-trip thatthey, and the readers will never forget.

The novel focuses on the aftermath of European-Native Americancontact, the meaning of the core democratic value of liberty, and thesignificance of becoming a responsible adult and good citizen. Bysetting her work in the 21st century, Arrathoon invites youngsters tograpple with the problems they will face in their li fetimes, whilelearning from the valuable lessons of history. The purpose of the bookis to teach young readers about the histories , economies and customsof the Canadian fur traders, the big American trading companies andthe Ojibwe Indians. Throughout the volume, Kevin discovers thatbecoming a man in our society is linked to the fundamental Americanconcept of freedom with responsibility. Excerpted from “2007 State



History Awards,” Chronicle , Volume 30, No. 3, Fall 2007, p.23. “For moreinformation visit www.hsmichigan.org, or call toll-free (800) 692-1828, or write the Historical Society of Michigan, 1305, Abbot Rd., East Lansing,MI 48823.”

Charmian Stewart,* Review of Summer of the Bear (Rochester, MI: PaintCreek Press, 2007, rpt. 2009).

The Summer of the Bear , by Leigh A. Arrathoon, is an excitingcoming-of-age novel about the Anishinabeg Indians and the fur tradersaround Lake Michigan. It is the first book, in the series of young KevinMurphy’s adventures, written by award-winning author, Leigh A.Arrathoon.Leigh Arrathoon has thoroughly researched the Michigan area and the

culture of the Anishinabeg. She draws the reader into an exciting anddangerous new world. Kevin and his best friend, Brock, along with theFrench-Canadian boy, Jean-Baptiste, set out on a canoe and campingexpedition in wild country and come face to face with an evilbearwalker, after witnessing a mysterious murder committed by thebearwalker. The evil bearwalker uses special medicine and traditionalmagic to hurt and destroy other people.

Later in a thrilling incident the boys encounter a real-live brownbear. The boys are out alone in the wild, untamed country, where it iseasy to get lost, and, in a brave action, Kevin saves Jean-Pierre’s l ifeafter he is severely mauled by the bear. The boys are forced to measure

up to the danger they run into and to reach greater maturity and self-reliance. The boys take part in the complicated, and sometimes scary, rituals of the Anishinabeg Indians. They learn survival skills from Jean-Baptiste, whose great, great grandfather was a voyageur , and how to make theunique food that the voyageurs traditionally enjoyed.

The Anishinabeg people have very special names which Arrathoonexplains and which is part of her meticulous research.Altogether the book transports the reader into the fascinating world of the Voyageurs , or canoe men, of the Fur Trade and the wildlife in thisterritory.

I look forward to reading more of young Kevin Murphy’s adventures. The Eagle from the Dawn is the next book in the series.

*Charmian Stewart is the author of Highland Enchantment (Brighton, England: PenPress, 2007). She resides in Oslo, Norway, with her husband, Oystein Bondi, and theirfamily.



SUMMER OF THE BEAR: An Historical Novel About the Anishinabeg and the

Fur Traders in Michigan by Leigh A. Arrathoon. The historical novel tellsthe adventure of a young boy coming of age in Michigan’s Pigeon RiverCountry. A story that follows two young men, and their NativeAmerican guide on an adventure in northern Michigan, and includesmurder, a vicious villain and an angry mother bear. Summer of the Bear is aimed at eighth grade level readers with an age-appropriate workbookavailable also. This book is full of the history of the Ojibwe Indians andthe Voyageurs, and contains many interesting facts about the historyof the fur trade that will intrigue readers of any age. Dennis Allen,Historical Society of Michigan Chronicle , Vol. 29, No. 2, Summer 2006,p.33.

Excerpted from Christy Sensenig, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC,September 2009. Homeschool Product Reviews.

Summer of the Bear

By Leigh A. ArrathoonPaint Creek Press, Ltd.620 Miller Ave.

Rochester, MI 48307248 545-9888

Summer of the Bear is a historical novel about the Anishinabeg and thefur traders in Michigan. This history comes alive because it is a storyteenagers can relate to, especially as it pertains to the choices thatthey face. This coming-of-age story is peppered with adventureelements that also aid young people in learning solid values that theycan carry into their adult life. A Summer of the Bear Workbook is sold as well, but it can only be purchased with a book order. The workbook hasa variety of multiple choice and matching activities.

Summer of the Bear targets the 8th grade social studies curriculum, but it would be appropriate for ages 12 and up for either social studies orreading. The book can be read alone or used in conjunction with the workbook. I found the reading to be very easy to follow and the subjectto be very interesting. The activities in the workbook were appropriateand on target with the subject being learned.



. . . The book comes with a nice glossy paperback cover, and it didreceive the State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan. . .

All in all, I believe Summer of the Bear is a great read that anyone, age

12 and up, would benefit from. It will surely enrich your knowledge of the culture of our country and beyond.

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Reviews of Summer of the Bear