The Screech Owls' Northern Adventure

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax, Ontario.

This third instalment in the Screech Owls series of hockey tales finds
the Screech Owls in northern Quebec. The first non-Native team ever to
be invited to participate in the First Nations PeeWee Hockey Tournament,
the Screech Owls have the opportunity to observe traditional Cree
culture first-hand when they are billeted with the families of Native
hockey players. The bigoted Nick won’t eat the food, makes fun of the
tribal ceremonies, and deplores the lack of McDonald’s restaurants,
cable TV, and video arcades. But when he goes through the ice of James
Bay while showing off on a snowmobile, it is Cree children who save his
life. As a result of his experience, Nick develops a new respect and
appreciation for Native culture.

This story about overcoming prejudice is both insightful and subtle.
Subplots dealing with issues of interest to preteens are skilfully woven
into the main story, and the characters are well drawn. Recommended.