i enjoyed reading this book, the characters were good and I liked that it was a children's novel that older kids could enjoy.

an interesting Native American captivity story with unique twists and turns that render the book fresh new feeling.

A book written for children to help them understand bullying and help them to focus on solutions and their own participation in making a positive difference.
Abigail is just a young girl. Capture by Cherokee on a raiding party her life was spared and the chief took the orphan child back to live with his people.
This act of kindness was not universally accepted, fear of the ‘white’ settlers made Abigail even at 4 years of age a malevolent spirit able to harm them.
One night a boy attacks her and her injuries are such that she is disfigured and further ostracised.
At she is buried as one of their own having succumbed to an infection due to her assault.
In modern times this story comes to Hannah a chief’s daughter who is trying to fulfil her Father’s mission to release lost souls on tribal lands before they are redeveloped. She had gone into the woods with her Dad but now must undertake these duties on her own. However, with time running out before the bulldozers roll she gets help in her quest, principally to save Abigail.
This story will appeal to all children who love stories or who are able readers wishing to be inspired by new places and people. The culture and customs of the Cherokee Nation are shared as Hannah’s helpers are children between 10 & 12 years old. They learn the folk-lore, encounter the spirits between life and death and are fearless in their attempts to save Abigail.
The issue of bullying is met straight up in the introduction and closely remarks but the story overtakes the ‘lesson’. This is good writing as it is the whole account of what happened to this year girl and it’s impact preventing her from taking her place in her spiritual home that consumes the reader. So the beauty of the narrative and the empowerment of the children involved that propel the story.
Upon reflection the harassment, bullying and discrimination will be evident but the story goes further since it is the children within these pages that enable Abigail to be saved. The message then has not been taught - you must behave better and think of others. No, almost unconsciously the outcome seen is that kids like them can be a force for good, the power lies within them.