GHOST CANOE

In 1870's Cape Flattery, Washington, 14-year-old Nathan MacAllister has an idyllic but difficult life as the son of the lighthouse keeper.When he is befriended by Makah indians, he learns to navigate the Pacific Ocean, fish and survive in the wild. Narrator Gaines is splendid with the many outdoorsy characters, as well as with the unique Makah tongue. Nathan and Lighthouse George enter a life-and-death struggle as they piece together a mysterious shipwreck and watch gold ingots being thrown into the sea. Gaines's subtle presentation perfectly contrasts the outside terrors with the warmth of the MacAllister family. The terrifically plausible ending makes a perfect coming-of-age story for girls and boys, as well as a wonderful piece of adventure based on historical fact. S.G.B. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/MAR 00]