Ghost Canoe

In 1870's Cape Flattery, Washington, 14-year-old Nathan MacAllister has an idyllic but difficult life as the son of the lighthouse keeper.When he is befriended by Makah indians, he learns to navigate the Pacific Ocean, fish and survive in the wild. Narrator Gaines is splendid with the many outdoorsy characters, as well as with the unique Makah tongue. Nathan and Lighthouse George enter a life-and-death struggle as they piece together a mysterious shipwreck and watch gold ingots being thrown into the sea. Gaines's subtle presentation perfectly contrasts the outside terrors with the warmth of the MacAllister family. The terrifically plausible ending makes a perfect coming-of-age story for girls and boys, as well as a wonderful piece of adventure based on historical fact. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

May 31, 1999
In this intense adaptation of Hobbs's suspenseful novel set in 1874 Washington state, 14-year-old Nathan MacAllister uncovers a chilling murder-mystery involving a greedy sailor and members of a local Native American tribe. As the son of a lighthouse keeper, Nathan is accustomed to the storm-ravaged desolate life on Cape Flattery. He has adopted the ways of the Makah Indians as well, learning to fish and hunt under the tutelage of a family friend (and Makah) Lighthouse George. But when a clipper ship sinks just off the cape, Nathan wonders if it's true that there were no survivors. After all, who could be spying on the Makah tribe and making strange footprints on the beach? The answers to these and other questions become all too clear when the mysterious "hairy man" John Kane arrives in the village, eager to find and peddle Makah artifacts--the same artifacts Nathan has already discovered in a "ghost canoe," a sacred form of Makah burial. Gaines proves a versatile performer, gamely taking on roles of all ages, backgrounds and genders. Ages 8-up.