A Boy of Tache
by Ann Blades
As the ice finally clears the river, Charlie, a boy of the Indian reserve of Tache in northern British Columbia, joins his grandparents for the annual spring beaver hunt. They travel by boat to their hunting camp, and Charlie and his grandfather, Za, set their traps. But they’re not at the camp long when Za becomes ill and Charlie must go alone to get help. This is a simple, realistic story of how a native people continues traditional ways, and a touching story of a young boy’s growing maturity and responsibility.
close this panelAnn Blades was only 20 years old when she began teaching at the schoolhouse near Mile 18, British Columbia. Unable to find books for her students that represented their lives, she decided to write and illustrate her own stories. Mary of Mile 18 was her first book and included the students she taught that year. She has written and illustrated many award-winning books, including A Boy of Tache, and A Salmon for Simon. Ann Blades lives near Vancouver, British Columbia.
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“…loving and matter-of-fact, with the same quiet respect that characterized the author’s earlier Mary of Mile 18.”
–Booklist
“A very sensitive portrayal of a way of life…”
–The Edmonton Journal
