Historically Accurate Native American Literature

Life is peaceful for twelve-year-old Chogan and his ten-year-old sister, Kanti, until Sioux warriors with hideously painted faces attack their village along the southern shore of Gitche Gumee. The raiders burn wigwams and overturn meat-drying racks, and then escape by canoe—all except for one warrior who retreats into the woods with an arrow in his thigh.

While checking his snares, Chogan stumbles upon the missing warrior only to discover the warrior is Takoda—a mere boy no older than Chogan. Chogan and Kanti must conceal Takoda’s presence from the angry villagers who seek revenge. A traveling Winnebago merchant discovers the returning Sioux warriors claim they were victims of an Ojibway ambush, and that the Ojibway tortured Takoda. Takoda’s grandfather, who is chief of the Sioux, prepares to avenge his grandson’s death. If Chogan and Kanti are to prevent war between two mighty Indian nations, they must deliver Takoda to his grandfather. They must paddle half way across Gitche Gumee in the dead of night while evading Sioux and Ojibway scouts and then return Takoda to his grandfather. Their only assistance comes from the Gitche Manitou who provides a brilliant display of Northern Lights (waasanoode) to guide their way.

Embedded in this novel are references to six stand-alone webpages that explain Chogan’s culture or a survival skill.