Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Hidden Roots by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph. (2004). Hidden roots. New York: Scholastic Press.   ISBN 13: 9780439353588    Hardback, $16.95


Cover photo courtesy of Goodreads.com
Annotation: Sonny and his family endure the hardships of life in rural Vermont in the 1950s. Racism, abuse, and family secrets must be exposed, endured, and ultimately, overcome.

Mini-Review: Bullied by the bigger boys at school and by his dad at home, 11-year-old Sonny spends his life with his head down, trying not to be noticed. His mom taught him to sleep lightly so no one can sneak up on him. Be quiet. Don’t ask. The one bright spot in his world is his Uncle Louis who teaches Sonny how to hear the trees and hide in plain sight like the deer. But hiding doesn’t always work and sometimes secrets come knocking on your door. Can Sonny and his family survive their secrets?

This powerful story takes place in Vermont in the 1950s. The secrets revealed are not just those of Sonny’s family, some of them belong to all Americans. Recommended for ages 11-14, this book is a great addition to any middle school/junior high library. It takes a realistic, yet gentle approach to the topics of bullying, eugenics, racism, abuse, and family.


Awards:
  • American Indian Youth Award winner -2006


Book trailer for Hidden Roots:



Read the author's biography and see his other works on his official website.

Connect with the author and his fans through the forums on his Goodreads page.

Explore all his available works in all formats on Bruchac's Amazon author's page.

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