Publishers Weekly
A gritty, you-are-there look at the Civil War makes a solid, compelling listen as William O. Steele's 1959 Newbery Honor book, The Perilous Road, comes to audio. With often steely sounding determination and a slight southern twang, Ram n de Ocampo narrates as bitter Tennessee teen Chris Brabson, who hates Yankees and the many confusing battle lines that arise in a nasty war. Steele's 1954 wilderness survival story, Winter Danger, is simultaneously released. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-Eleven-year-old Caje Amos learns to be part of a family and a safe home in Newbery Honor winner William O. Steele's historical novel (Harcourt, 1954). Caje's taciturn father has raised him to be a "woodsy," always on the move, hunting and trading, trying to stay alive. Jared Amos adamantly believes that neither he nor his son should be beholden to anyone, ever. When they're forced by the worst Tennessee winter on record to stay with Caje's aunt and uncle, the boy is excited to have the opportunity of being warm and safe, well-fed, and on a farm. His father can only bear it for a short time before abandoning his son in the middle of one harsh winter night. There are plenty of exciting scenes involving Indians, bears, hungry wolves and a panther, illness and starvation due to the unusual weather. Caje eventually realizes that he belongs with this family; being beholden just means that he'll be able to return the favor eventually. Actor Richard Brewer does a fine job of narrating this adventure, using different voices to emphasize the slang and strange words of the time. The introduction, written by Jean Craighead George, is a bit too long and gives away too much of the story. A good historical novel for reluctant readers, especially boys.-B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Library, Sag Harbor, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
From the Publisher
"Distinguished not only for its clear evocation of the sense of physical danger, of hunger and cold, but also because Mr. Steele makes us feel deeply the emotions of a boy."—The New York Times Book Review
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OCT/NOV 05 - AudioFile
Newbery Honor winner Steele tells the story of young Micajah Amis, who lives with his widowed father, Jared, in the wilderness of Tennessee. With a severe winter bearing down on them, Jared leaves the young man with his late mother's kin. Micajah uses his survival skills to help them and learns how to live in a family. Richard Brewer does a fine job performing this well-researched and detailed work. He reads with a slight accent that is clear and easy flowing. Dialogue is performed with credible and distinct voices, and narrative is done with the same skill. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
