THE ARROW OVER THE DOOR

In alternating chapters, Bruchac (Lasting Echoes, p. 1641, etc.) describes two 14-year-old boys, one a Quaker and one an Abenaki Indian, whose lives at the time of the Revolution will eventually intersect. Samuel is straggling with his family's belief in nonviolence at a time when they are all in danger. Stands Straight and his small tribe are trying to decide whether to heed King George's call to join the British side. Their meeting, based on an actual historical event, will affect their lives, and the lives of their people, in profound and spiritual ways. The parallels between two thoughtful and deeply devout groups are finely drawn without being didactic or forced, as are the protagonists' efforts to grow up, under the guidance of strong mentors. An author's note gives details on the sources as well as some of the decision-making behind the story. A delicate tale, very well told. (Fiction. 7- 9)