Call Me the Canyon

CALL ME THE CANYON by

Category: Historical

Age Recommendation: Grades 6+

Release Date: 9/30/06

Publisher: Brown Barn Books

Reviewed by:

Rating: 5 Stars

The wild canyon country of the western United States was relatively unexplored at the turn of the century, but it was

home to

fifteen-year-old Madolen. She has been raised by her prospector father since the death of her Navajo

mother. A Mormon

family offers a different kind of life for Madolen, and she leaves her father's cabin to live with

them.

She is eager to experience life in the outside world, and now she will help out with the never-ending work on the

Olsen's farm,

and be educated in math, reading, and the Mormon religion. Her life with the Olsen family is a joy, and

she and the Olsen

daughter, Claire, share a deep friendship. A tragedy intervenes, and Madolen leaves her home with

them to become the

guide to a handsome archaeologist as he explores the canyons for native artifacts and art.

Ann Howard Creel provides rich historical detail about the canyon area, the Navajo nation, and the attempts at gold

recovery. Madolen is a compelling character and I felt her joy and pain as she fell in love with Wallis, and her worry

over her

dying father. The story is narrated by Madolen in eloquent prose and colorful descriptions. The lure of gold

and the natural

dangers of the canyon country are always just below the surface in this fast-paced, unique, and

unpredictable story.

I highly recommend this book for its entertainment and historical value. This is an author that I will be watching for.

Call Me the Canyon
by Ann Howard Creel