Blue Horse Books (May 2004)
Original Softcover Edition
ISBN 1-883953-34-0
128 pages, 5.5" x 8.5"
Fiction/Juvenile (ages 8-12)
native themes / sibling relations / winter survival skills
$12.00

Endorsed by the intertribal Council for Indian Education (Dr. Hap Gilliland, Pres.) for providing a positive view of native culture and values

"a wonderful vehicle for older elementary students. . . . includes a very useful author's note explaining that the story was based on a true event and giving background information. I highly recommend this book for purchase as a curriculum support material and as an enjoyable children's book."
- William Rettig, Librarian, Huegel Elementary School, Madison, Wisconsin

"This book will appeal to children looking for survival stories, historical fiction, and coming-of-age books. Lowden skillfully weaves fact and fiction to create an engaging, authentic, heart-wrenching account of the Ojibwa people's battle with the white man's disease and the courage of one young girl."
- Jamie A. Swenson, Associate Librarian, Hedburg Public Library, Janesville, Wisconsin

Autumn Dawn Shines on Leaf swept her little brother into her arms. Although he was only six years old, his small muscles were sturdy, strong. He tried desperately to get away. Autumn Dawn looked at her mother’s feverish face one last time. . . .

The forest breeze mingled the scent of freshly fallen leaves with pine, but Autumn Dawn did not notice. Although she avoided the downed trees and large rocks on the well-worn path leading away from the village to the north, she saw none of it. She was running for her life.

When smallpox strikes her family’s lodge, 13-year-old Autumn Dawn flees into the forest with her little brother, Coyote Boy. Together, the two native youngsters must draw on their survival skills - and learn to tell friend from foe as they travel in search of a safe haven.

As winter’s grip descends on the north woods, what will the two do for food? Can they build a fire? How will they find shelter?

The winter trek of Autumn Dawn and Coyote Boy offers a tale of courage and resourcefulness near the shores of Lake Superior, the realm of soaring eagles and home of the Anishinaabe (the Ojibwe).

Set in the fur-trade era of the 1700s in the Upper Midwest, when deadly diseases like smallpox were sweeping through native communities, this is the story of one girl’s heroism and strong spirit.

The author is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Her website can be found at http://my.execpc.com/~lowdenkr/.

Blue Horse Books is an imprint of Midwest Traditions, Inc., a nonprofit publisher whose titles have won the Benjamin Franklin Award and have been short-listed for the Great Lakes Book Award, Minnesota Book Award, Independent Press Book Award, and others.