A twelve-year-old Iroquois boy rethinks his calling after witnessing the arrival of a mystical figure with a message of peace in this historical novel based on the creation of the Iroquois Confederacy. Twelve-year-old Okwaho's life has suddenly changed. While out hunting with his best friend, his friend is kidnapped by marauders from a neighboring tribe. Okwaho barely escapes back to his village where everyone lives in fear of raids and killings: The five tribes of the Iroquois have been at war with each other for far too long, and no one can even remember what it was like to live in peace.Okwaho seeks only revenge, which will just perpetuate the violence. But before he can retaliate, a visitor with a message of peace, as told in the lore of the of the Iroquois nation, comes to him in the woods. The Peacemaker-a vision in white buckskin with a calm demeanor and soothing words-tells the boy that he can convince even the most warlike leaders of the wisdom of peace. Okwaho joins the legions of others who believe, and is present when the great treaty creating the Iroquois Confederacy is enacted. "Taylor–Corbett, who is himself of Native American descent, provides a calm and soothing voice for the Peacemaker, as well as realistic accents for the other characters. While the overarching story of overcoming anger and other effects of war could rarely be more timely, the folktales that are integrated throughout will also resonate with listeners." "Told with grace, this will be welcomed by history classes and those looking for successful examples of nonviolent, antibullying strategies." "Basing his tale on the real-life story of the forming of the Iroquois Confederacy, as told to him by Haudenosaunee elders, Bruchac relates it through the eyes of Okwaho." "Bruchac looks to history with contemporary relevance…A message with a lot of contemporary import that readers won't miss, and they'll find much to consider in the story of a historically significant peaceful accord and the difficulty of reaching it." "Brings a fresh point of view to this briskly told fictionalization of the Iroquois Confederacy's beginnings…Tales bring a depth and resonance to the life and history of the Iroquois Confederacy, as well as to Okwaho's understanding of the world."
