The year is 1768, and the story takes place in what will eventually become the state of Maine. It tells the story of a twelve-year-old boy who is left alone in the wilderness while his father leaves to bring back the rest of his family. He must use skills he learns from the Indians who live nearby in order to survive. When he meets a young Indian boy about his own age, they grow together into manhood. In the process, both the parallels and differences between the two cultures are examined.

Twelve-year-old Matt Hallowell finds himself alone in the new Main territory in 1768 as his father leaves the cabin they have just built together to get his mother, sister and a new baby. The territory has recently been opened to settlers after a truce is reached with the regional Indian tribes, and while the Indians still have...