Apache by Tanya Landman

Walker 2007
(Age 12+) A fascinating story about an Apache woman, who, rather than learn to prepare skins, cook and then be given in marriage, wants to be a warrior so that she can avenge the deaths of her family. The novel retells the trials of her training, the animosity of some of the tribesmen and her final test to ensure she is courageous enough to join the ranks of the warriors.

Her family was killed by a group of Mexicans, intent on avenging deaths of their families, and on it goes, one act of revenge after another, until many of the Apache are wiped out. It is an engrossing story, full of historical detail of the path of the Apache in trying to maintain their foothold on their land in the sweep of Europeans west across America. Along the way an amazing amount of information is given about the Apache way of life, how they survived, their rituals and customs.

What she eventually learns about her past, changes her motivation somewhat, but she remains true to her convictions. Readers will be taken on a fascinating journey.
Fran Knight