The Lynching of Louie Sam

Gr 6-9–George Gillies, 15,  unexpectedly witness a lynching the night he follows a mob of settlers to the International Border between the Washington Territory and Canada. Intent on justice for the murder of a white man, the mob seizes an Indian boy who is in in the custody of Canadian officials and suspected of the crime. It is February 27, 1884, and the relationship between the Native tribes and settlers is tense. George, moved by the anger and excitement of the mob, ignores observations that support Louie Sam’s innocence, choosing to believe that justice has been served. After the lynching, he encounters rumors and pieces of evidence that leave him confused. Has the mob murdered an innocent 14-year-old? Almost everyone in his town seems determined to bury the truth: who actually murdered Mr. Bell, who led the mob, and what actually happened the night of the lynching. Eventually George cannot continue to conceal what he knows, and the consequences for him and his family are severe. Stewart takes on the daunting task of reflecting the period’s social history through a single incident, and sometimes her characters must represent large and disparate groups of people. This can lead to didactic moments, especially when the Native American characters speak, but it also serves as context for a little known and disturbing true story. The plot moves quickly and should interest many readers, even those not usually interested in historical fiction. The violence and tragedy are balanced by a bit of romance, which will make this title a good recommendation for middle school and early high school readers. Caroline Hanson