Ghost Hawk

October 28, 2013
In early colonial Massachusetts, Native America Little Hawk and colonist John Wakeley come from different worlds. But a brief encounter turns into a long kinship that eventually moves beyond the confines of the living world. When colonists kill Little Hawk, Wakeley finds himself still connected to his friend’s soul, which guides him to a life of peace and the principles of Roger Williams. Narrator Jim Dale turns in a winning performance, his voice capturing the tone and attitude of a person recalling the events of past. Dale provides a strong vocal contrast between Little Hawk and Wakeley, while also establishing distinct voices for the book’s other characters. Ages 10-14. A Margaret K. McElderry hardcover.

Starred review from June 17, 2013
In this well-researched and elegant historical fantasy, a Wampanoag boy named Little Hawk survives the loss of his village to a plague contracted from the Pilgrims, who have recently founded Plymouth. Later he befriends a white boy, John Wakeley, only to have a shocking act of violence irrevocably alter their lives. As the years pass, John grows to manhood, learns a trade, marries, and avoids the Pilgrims’ bigotry, drawn to the more tolerant principles of Roger Williams, founder of the colony of Providence. Despite its occasional violence, much of veteran fantasist Cooper’s story is understated, devoted to what is essentially philosophical discussion and a vivid depiction of the Massachusetts wilderness. Although the tale unfolds almost entirely in English, Cooper impressively conveys the barriers, both cultural and linguistic, that divided natives and settlers, sometimes with horrifying results. Both Little Hawk and John maintain their essential decency in the face of the world’s injustice, while Cooper demonstrates, as Little Hawk says, “Change is made by the voice of one person at a time.” Ages 10–14. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, East West Literary Agency.

Jim Dale's deep tones recount the tale of Little Hawk, a young warrior of the Pokanoket tribe, and John Wakeley, a young colonist from Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the mid-1600s. Little Hawk and John meet in the wilderness, introduced by Squanto, a native interpreter. Not long afterward, Little Hawk is accidentally killed by a white colonist, yet he remains in the area as a ghost who teaches John the words and ways of the natives. With broad accents and dramatic phrasing, Dale performs this story of growing up in early America. Cooper's words and Dale's performance provide a dramatic backdrop for learning about religious tolerance, hardship, and survival in New England. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine