Winter Danger

Caje lives alone with his dad in the woods in early America; they are “woodsies.” They have no home, except for caves and hollowed-out trees. This is the way Caje’s dad likes it; he doesn’t feel he needs people and hardly seems to value Caje. When Caje’s dad sees signs that a cruel winter is on its way, he heads to a relative’s farm. One day Caje’s father leaves secretly, leaving Caje behind for good at his uncle’s house. As Caje experiences the worst winter he’s ever seen, he also experiences something he has never known before: a loving family. This story is adventurous and engaging and has good messages! I found no objectionable content. There is a little violence when Caje and his father are attacked by Indians, but I did not feel it was too graphic. A couple of parts of the book may be too scary for children ages eight and under.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)