Buckskin, the Brave

Barbara M. Buetter conducts creative-writing workshops for children and
is the author of Simple Puppets from Everyday Materials.

Buckskin, the Brave tells of a young boy raised at the turn of the
century along the border between Alberta and Montana. The book’s
foreword gives some background on the area and the conditions faced by
the early settlers.

Five-year-old Buckskin is traveling with his parents when he falls out
of the wagon and

is left behind. He is found by Soaring Eagle, a Chippewa chief, and
adopted by the tribe. The story next recounts his life and adventures
with the Indians. When Soaring Eagle is captured, it is Buckskin who
takes action and frees him. Through most of the story, however, Buckskin
is more a victim of events than a plot catalyst. Near the end, the story
abruptly changes direction. Buckskin is taken from his Native family,
then escapes. A Mountie hints at finding Buckskin’s true parents, and
the book’s final line, in reference to this development, shows the
author’s indirect style: “This appeared to be a new idea that the
young boy’s mind hadn’t contemplated for some

time.”

This story offers interesting historical detail, but is bogged down by
excessively formal language and a slow pace. There are long
descriptions, minimal dialogue, and few insights into Buckskin’s
feelings. The line drawings and cover illustration are attractive.
Although the main character is not well developed, the story does
describe early Canadian life. For this reason, it might be useful
classroom reading for children 10 and up. Recommended with reservations.