Canadian Children's Book Centre, Our Choice selectionThey had been heading to Batoche when the storm struck. A few hours more and they might have made it. Then the wagon lurched to one side. James tum
Canadian Children's Book Centre, Our Choice selection
They had been heading to Batoche when the storm struck. A few hours more and they might have made it. Then the wagon lurched to one side. James tumbled out. He shouted to his parents, but the wind stole his words away. His mother turned in her sleep as the wagon disappeared into the swirling whiteness.During a fierce prairie storm, James falls out of his family's wagon and his calls for help are lost in the howl of the wind. After his parents vanish into the blizzard, a man on horseback appears and takes James to the safety and warmth of his small cabin. The man will only say that his name is Louis. While he prepares an evening meal of gallette, Louis promises to teach James how to make it in the morning. When he does, James declares his mother makes the same type of bread but she calls it "bannock," not "gallette," underscoring the differences and similarities between their cultures.
This imaginary encounter between Louis Riel and a young boy brings to light how insignificant the differences between people are and the tragic consequences of not remembering how much we all share. The historical context for the story is found in the Afterword. On the last page of the book there is an easy recipe for gallette/bannock.
"This is a memorable historical picture book that might lead a young reader to seek more information about this time in our collective history. Maxine Trottier gives thought to the imagined relationship between this gentle man and a young boy. In an author's note at the end, she gives us a glimpse of the time when Louis Riel lived and fought for the rights of his people. She also includes a recipe for gallette, which her French Canadian grandmother made for her as a child. It was always a special treat, as is this story."
—
Brandon Sun"Trottier shows the deep humanity of Riel..."
— Times-Colonist, Victoria, BC
"The author effectively uses the route through the reader's stomach to strengthen her message about the importance of bridging cultural differences and sharing."
— Quill and Quire
Canadian Children's Book Centre, Our Choice selection
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Maxine Trottier:
A prolific writer and educator, Maxine Trottier makes history come alive in picture books and novels for young readers. Her award-winning titles include Claire's Gift, The Paint Box, and Prairie Willow. Maxine's books have earned the Canadian Library Association's Book of the Year, the Mr. Christie's Book Award and twice the Ontario Woman Teacher's Federation Writing Award. Born in Michigan, Maxine is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. and makes her home in Port Stanley, Ontario.
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