Summary

The “inseparable trio” — 11-year-old Caddie Woodlawn, her older brother Tom, and her younger brother Warren — is headed to investigate the wisps of smoke visible above the woods on the opposite bank of the Menomonie River in western Wisconsin. They’re sure it’s a sign the local Indian tribe is building birchbark canoes and, although none of them can swim, they are making the trek. They muse over the possibility of an Indian massacre, but they’re sure that Indian John — the leader of the tribe — is a friend to them and the other settlers. Reaching the bank, they remove their clothes, bundle them on their heads, and step into the water. Tom’s feet can reach the bottom, so Caddie holds onto his shoulder, and Warren holds hers, and off they go — even though they know their younger sister Hetty is off to tattle to...