About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to ask questions about their own complex heritage or when a child feels caught between two different worlds, cultures, or family expectations. It is a powerful choice for children who are stepping into greater responsibilities and need to see that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act for the sake of those you love. Set in 1820s Idaho, the story follows twelve-year-old Celou, a girl of Shoshone and French descent, as she embarks on a high-stakes mission to rescue her kidnapped family. Beyond the survival adventure, the narrative explores the internal journey of a young girl navigating her mixed identity and the weight of protecting her mother and siblings. It is a poignant, historically grounded tale of resilience that balances external danger with deep emotional growth, making it an excellent bridge for middle-grade readers transitioning to more serious historical fiction.
