Danger at the Landings

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

It has been two years since Max sailed to Canada with his father and
sister to begin farming in the wilderness, and now Max is bored and
eager to have new adventures. He is excited when he is sent with his
neighbor to take the harvested wheat by canoe to his uncle’s grist
mill. During his trip he encounters brave lumber jacks, a daring young
man named Red, and many new sights in the town. He is even more excited
to learn of a possible rebellion in Toronto. When the rebellion happens,
he isn’t allowed to go with his father to fight, but must stay behind
and help his uncle at the mill. Max and Red manage to make their own
excitement, however. But when this adventure turns out badly, Max is as
unhappy as ever. By chance he witnesses a terrible act of sabotage and,
with his presence of mind and quick action, he averts a disaster and
becomes a hero.

This sequel to Ellie’s New Home and The Freezing Moon presents a fine
picture of pioneer life in Upper Canada for the primary-level reader.
The plot moves along quickly, with lots of action, interesting scenes,
and information about aspects of pioneer life such as chores around the
farm, the workings of the mill, and the life of a lumber jack. Max’s
narration is easy to follow, and his character is appealing. An
excellent choice for the primary-school collection. Highly recommended.