Three Rivers Crossing

After a fishing accident, thirteen-year-old Walker finds himself transported back in time to the Michigan Territory of 1824, where he becomes friends with his ancestors.

Grade 6-8-From 2002 to 1822 and back again, completes the circle in this time-travel novel. Walker Morrison, 13, slips into the river while fly-fishing and "wakes up" in 1822 where his great-great-great (Walker is not sure of how many "greats") grandfather has miraculously saved his life. The story continues with the boy working side by side with his ancestors to build the town of Stony Creek, while trying to learn what he must accomplish to return to the present. While some historical facts are included, they are not expanded sufficiently and will leave reluctant readers in the dark. Lack of character depth and a thin story line make this novel a secondary purchase.
Freida Robason, Teacher Academy, Edinburg, TX
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A swift current pulls seventh-grader Walker under while he is fly-fishing in Stony Creek. When he regains consciousness after being rescued, he discovers he has been transported back in time to the 1820s village of his forebears, the Stony Creek Village settlement. Trapped in history, he tries to figure out what, if anything, can get him back to his own time and life. Meanwhile, he discovers being trapped is not so terrible. His "family" is loving and caring, and he develops a deep bond with their son Daniel. Lytle does a fine job of delineating the difference between children's lives then and now, and gives Walker a sense of accomplishment and pride in the tasks of pioneering the first community. Walker does get back to where he belongs, but only after readers are given plenty of time to become acquainted with the past. For fans of historical fiction and time-travel books. Anne O'Malley
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