• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 7 to 10
• Reading age: 12 to 15

An exciting journey seen through the eyes of the Algonquin people.

This book paints a vivid picture of the original peoples of North America before the arrival of Europeans. The novel follows the story of Mahingan and his family as they live the traditional Algonquin way of life in what is now Ontario in the early fourteenth century. Along the way we learn about the search for moose and the dramatic rare woodland buffalo hunt, conflicts with other Native nations, and the dangers of wolves and wolverines. We also witness the violent game of lacrosse, the terror of a forest fire, and the rituals that allow Algonquin boys to be declared full-grown men.

But warfare is also part of their lives, and signs point to a defining conflict between Mahingan’s nation, its allies the Omàmiwinini (Algonquin), Ouendat (Huron), and the Nippissing against the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). The battle’s aftermath may open the door to future journeys by Mahingan and his followers.

Rick was born in Smiths Falls Ontario. He worked for Nortel for 30 years, retiring in 2002. He belongs to the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation. His early years were spent in Wilton and Odessa Ontario. He lived for 32 years in Glenburnie Ontario and since 2019 in Napanee, Ontario. He has a Black Belt in Judo. In the 70's and early 80's he coached softball, winning two Intermediate and one Junior A Ontario Championship. He also coached at 3 Canadian Championships. Rick is in the Loyalist Township Sports Hall of Fame.
I Am Algonquin (2013), Algonquin Spring (2015), Algonquin Sunset (2017) were published by Dundurn Press. Crossfield Publishing of St Mary's Ontario is publishing the final novel of the series Algonquin Legacy that will come out sometime in 2021.The series takes place on both sides of the St Lawrence River Valley and the Great Lakes and to the Rocky Mountains during the years of 1320 to 1350's. It follows an Algonquin Native family unit as they fight to survive in the harsh climate of warfare, survival from the elements and the constant quest for food of this pre—contact era. His readers are introduced to the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, Lakota, Mi�kmaq, Mohawk, and Lak?�ta, languages as they are used in the vernacular in the four novels.
The books are read in Native Studies classes across Canada.
Rick is currently working on a novel called The Elk Whistle Warrior Society.

Rick Revelle's profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom selection

Without lecturing or preaching, the author makes an impact on his readers and brings a new understanding and appreciation to the depth and complexity of First Nations peoples. A great read for any occasion for readers of any age.

Perth EMC

Courage and strength are valued, and harsh decisions must be made for the survival of the tribal unit, but Revelle shows the tender and accepting side of the society, where each member’s contribution is valued.

Resource Links

Revelle makes good use of cliffhangers; that is, he poses a question at the end of each chapter to pique readers' interest and lead them to read on. Action scenes alternate with quieter ones and with passages of information. Indeed, I Am Algonquin contains such a wealth of information that anyone teaching this period might consider using it as a textbook.

Canadian Materials magazine

Great Book

by William G