(3) 4-6 In 1846, Josette--the daughter of an Ojibwe mother and French father--reluctantly abandons her studies after her mother dies and her family decides to move from Canada to Minnesota. Historical facts are seamlessly incorporated into Josette's story, which is presented as detailed journal entries. Author's notes give background on Métis (people of French and Native American descent) culture and explain Sommerdorf's inspiration. Glos.

Reviewer: Lauren Maggio

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Erika Weihs. Three sisters plant an elm tree in their farmyard, supplying themselves first with a place from which to swing, then a backdrop for weddings, and, as old ladies, simply shade at coffee time. After the tree becomes diseased and is cut down, three great-granddaughters plant a new one. The folk-art-like oil illustrations are more successful at buildings and landscapes than human figures in this somewhat sentimental circle-of-life story.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey