Jamie Kangas struggles with turbulent emotions caused by the death of his father, who perished in a logging accident--an accident for which Jamie blames himself. While his mother works as cook in a logging camp, Jamie is run ragged as chore boy. The grinding dreariness fades when Jamie meets a Native American boy, Gray Feather, who carries a burden of his own. The two boys become close friends as they face the challenges of a harsh environment and prejudiced world. And as trees fall to the lumberjack's blade, Jamie hears the ghostly words of his father, warning of future catastrophe.
The Home Wind is a middle-grade children's novel (ages 9 and up), which takes place during the 1870s in a Michigan logging camp. Quality paperback, 198 pages plus discussion guide.
"The Home Wind is an engaging story of two boys who must find their way through the difficulties of life on the road to becoming men. It is set during the 1870s in the Fox River logging camp near Seney in Upper Michigan. Jamie Kangas struggles with the guilt of feeling responsible for his father's death. He discovers a Native American boy, Gray Feather, hiding in the camp stables, nearly frozen and starved, who carries burdens of his own. Soon the two become close friends.
The author weaves the backstory of both boys through action and dialogue, with impeccably researched details. Her descriptions of the scenes and action make a reader feel as if they are right there in the middle of it all. Readers can't miss the symbolism found throughout the book and a wonderful way to learn about the past at the same time. This book should go far, and not just with young audiences. A great discussion guide can be found at the end of the book for classroom, homeschool, or adult book club use." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, U.P. Book Review
"The Home Wind is a beautiful novel for both middle grade readers and a wonderful a read for adults, too. Steeped in carefully researched historical events in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, The Home Wind is a delight. Martin's characters captured my heart and made the story come alive--two boys struggling to understand the world around them. This is also an important book for anyone interested in the history of Michigan's logging industry and in the Native peoples of Michigan. I highly recommend The Home Wind, and if you are looking for a gift for your middle reader, it's perfect!"
-- Sue Harrison, author of The Midwife's Touch
"The Home Wind" is a gripping story set in the U.P. circa 1870. The main character, Jamie, begins early to have guilt and maturity issues to overcome as a young boy growing up in a lumber camp in the Upper Peninsula. There are several points that really stand out. The main one is the Native American character and the friendship he develops with the main character. Both young boys have issues with their fathers and find ways to resolve that by the novel's end. Another highlight is the attention to historical detail. Martin really captures what a logging camp was like, what the town of Seney was like - famously wild, but perhaps only on weekends - and my favorite section was the Marinette/Menonimee fire which was dramatically and vividly depicted"
-- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of The Marquette Trilogy
New Revised 2023 Edition from Modern History Press
