This book is contagious! I started reading the book slowly because I love history, especially about Native Americans and their cultural beliefs. I did not know much about the Algonquin people, and I learned more than in any history class. The author brilliantly weaves the cultural beliefs with a natural setting while making the reader feel they are with the main character escaping his civility. The vivid descriptions of the spirit animals (Manitous) and their protective nature are attractive to any reader who understands the Native American belief of Manitous. Anyone who reads this book will gain knowledge of the cultural beliefs of a remarkable native tribe and a spine-tingling adventure story of a young boy trying to find his way through life.