Angelique, Book 1: Buffalo Hunt

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

The Métis people depend on the buffalo hunt each spring and fall for
their livelihood. It is a community activity and every member of each
family has a role to play. Previously, Angelique had helped her mother
at the camp, but now that she is 10 years old she is allowed to run
behind the hunters with the older boys. Angelique is proud to have such
an important job. She is thrilled to be out enjoying the natural beauty
of the prairie and meeting with friends from other villages. And there
is the added anticipation of the success of her father’s excellent
horse, which will be hunting for the first time. Yet, underlying
Angelique’s excitement is a worry that a dream she has had about a
dying buffalo means that some danger is in store.

This historical novel accurately depicts a buffalo hunt, including the
chase, the kill, skinning and pegging the hide, and hanging the meat to
dry over smudging fires. It also portrays a clear sense of the community
organization and cooperation necessary to make it a success. All this
information is presented through the eyes of an enthusiastic young girl,
who experiences life with intensity. The suspense of lurking danger and
uncertain outcomes carries the plot forward with ease. All of these
elements combine to make this another excellent story in the Our
Canadian Girl series. Highly recommended.