About This Book

Award-winning author Kristiana Gregory does it again with this fast-paced historical novel. This story is based on the memoirs, Among the Shoshones, by Elijah Nicholas Wilson, about a young white boy who lived with the Shoshoni Indians in Wyoming. The town of Wilson, Wyoming, named for Elijah Wilson, is located at the southern base of the Grand Tetons in Wyoming.

Gregory packs this book with riveting details, realistic adventures, and believable characters, creating a page-turner for both reluctant and eager readers. Twelve-year-old Jimmy Spoon wants to have more adventure in his life, and he's certain that a horse would fit the bill. When two Shoshoni boys tell him they'll give him a horse if he agrees to ride with them back to their camp, Jimmy doesn't hesitate for one second. He decides to leave his family in Salt Lake City, and goes with the boys without telling anyone. The trip is much longer than expected, and Jimmy is exhausted, hungry, and wishes they were there already so he could ride his horse home. But what happens next changes Jimmy's life, because when the three of them arrive at the Shoshoni camp, they tell him he's expected to stay — forever! What can he do now?

This is an excellent way to introduce multiculturalism to the classroom, as well as a way to discuss the writing of personal memoir. There are situations in the book such as a scalping that may upset readers, but they are included to accurately reflect the details of the period. Also included are a bibliography and glossary to further broaden readers' understanding of this time. Swift-paced and action-packed, this book takes readers on the ride of their lives into the past.