Kevin Murphy’s Eagle from the Dawn, written by Leigh A. Arrathoon.

This is the second in a series of historical fiction accounts written for middle and high school students. Leigh A. Arrathoon blends the story of young Kevin Murphy and his friends with the famous story of the "real Journey West" by Lewis and Clark. The book focuses on the Bitterroot Mountain region, comparing the experiences Lewis and Clark had with the Nez Percés with Kevin’s contemporary encounter with the same Native American group.

Arrathoon’s story will appeal to many young adults, as she tells the story of Kevin’s development into adulthood. Having graduated from high school in Michigan, he spends a life-altering summer visiting his uncle and several Nez Percé young people in Montana and Idaho. Using Kevin’s interactions with a wild horse, the author discusses the challenges of maturing in a complex society.

I especiallly enjoyed the use of quotations from the Journals of Lewis and Clark to help describe the historical setting and some of the events experienced by the Corps of Discovery. Arrathoon also offers accurate descriptions of the sequence of events that Nez Percés faced in the critical year of 1877 under Chief Joseph.

Having traveled much of the Lewis and Clark route, I especially enjoyed Arrathoon’s description of the scenic views of the Rocky Mountains along the Lolo Trail. This book will help students understand the value of other cultures and the need for saving the environment. She indicates that all citizens should participate actively in civic affairs.