Speak to the Earth

Jean Free is a retired teacher-librarian and library consultant in
Whitby, Ontario.

Fifteen-year-old Brian Troupe is indifferent to his mother’s crusade
to preserve Vancouver Island’s ancient Sitka spruce forest. One day,
while listening to the humpback whales singing, Brian has a revelation:
his longing for permanence in his personal life is connected to the
dislocating effects of government policy on the ecosystem of Orca Sound.
Brian decides to support the anti-clearcut-logging movement. The young
protagonist finds himself being pulled in opposite directions, however,
when he tries to reconcile his uncle’s need for a job, his mother’s
crusade, and his fears that his world is slipping away.

William Bell writes movingly of the impact of logging along the
beautiful Big Bear River in this very readable and interesting story. He
also writes with understanding when dealing with Brian’s conflicting
emotions and concerns.

Speak to the Earth is a well-written, inspiring, and topical book for
young adults. Highly recommended.