[Secret in the Stlalakum Wild is an] interesting although not entirely successful attempt to use the lore of the Northwest Coast Indians in a message fantasy. The Stlalakums (spirits of the Old Coast Salish Indians in British Columbia) begin to speak to Morann, a normal little girl with a very active imagination, and urge her to find what she understands to be a great treasure. She joins in the quest reluctantly at first, but later gains enthusiasm when she comes to believe that finding treasure will make her important in her family. Morann eventually discovers that the treasure is the wilderness itself which the Stlalakums want people to love and save. After this initial build-up, the ending may disappoint some children…. (p. 77)

Frances Postell, in School Library Journal (reprinted from the May, 1972 issue of School Library Journal, published by R. R. Bowker Co. A Xerox Corporation; copyright © 1972), May...