Rusty Son of Tall Elk

By Charles H. Bertram

An innocent game of Cowboys and Indians becomes a reality for 10-year-old Russell Weaver when he is captured by Cheyenne Indians. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933255439
• ISBN13: 9781933255439
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: DNA Press
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

A game of cowboys and Indians becomes a lot more real for Russel Weaver

A game of cowboys and Indians becomes a lot more real for Russel Weaver in "Rusty: Son of Tall Elk". Initially a bright faced white child, he kidnapped by the native Americans and is adopted by their chief in admiration of his bright red hair - to go with his daughter who shares a similar trait, who is none too pleased of her new brother. Rusty learns the ways and a thing about family life in this thrilling adventure historical fiction novel, highly recommended to fans of the genre and community library collections catering to them.

Nice story for middle readers

When ten-year-old Russell "Rusty" Weaver set off on a logging trip with his uncle Evan, and his two older brothers, the last thing on his mind was Indians. His job for the two-week trip to float the log rafts down to St. Louis was to scout ahead, find good landing spots, and start dinner each evening. But when river rats steal the boat, Rusty ends up attracting the attentions of a group of Cheyenne Indians that are headed back West after buying guns. The Cheyenne take red-haired Rusty back with them and he is adopted into the family of Chief Tall Elk. The chief, father to a red-haired daughter of mixed ancestry, believes that to have two red-haired children will bring good luck to his family and tribe. Rusty finds himself hundreds of miles from home, in a new "home" where he doesn't speak the language, doesn't know the customs, and where everything seems to be new and unusual. Rusty Son of Tall Elk transports you back to a time when much of the United States was still unexplored. The story delves into the differences between the lives of the settlers, and the Native American tribes that were still fighting for the survival of their culture in the threat posed by country's Westward expansion. Rusty is faced with hard decisions for a child to make. Can he find a home with these Cheyenne? Is there a way for him to enjoy the freedoms and responsibilities that his new life is allowing him to experience? Will his family back in Illinois ever find out the truth in his disappearance, or will they believe he is dead? This is the first in a four-book series and Rusty Son of Tall Elk a great start. I look forward to reading more in the continuing adventures of Rusty. Armchair Interviews says: Interesting story for middle readers.

LEARNING AND GROWING AMONG THE CHEYENNE

I don't imagine that having red hair has often saved someone's life. For Rusty it did. Charles H. Bertram's novel gets off to a fast start, but then throws us a curve. Found on his own in the woods by a white trapper and a small group of Cheyenne, Rusty's red hair is all that saves him. When the group arrives with it's captive, this quality immediately endears him to Chief Tall Elk, his second wife Walking Dove and his adopted daughter, Late Setting Sun, who's also a redhead. Bertram lightens things up a bit when Rusty's freckles, and their location get him off to a somewhat embarrassing start at becoming a member of his new Cheyenne family. The details of tribal life and family interaction are woven into this tale in a fashion that will delight those that seek this type of cultural information. Rusty's upbringing shows that he also has something to offer. Having watched his town's smithy he is able to show the tribe the benefits of tempering the bits of metal they find left behind on the white man's trails. And his education in hunting techniques started at a young age among his white family, soon allows him the privilege to ride and hunt with one of the younger members of the tribe. Although many that were taken captive by other tribes found it a hard, if not impossible life to adapt to, Rusty's place of honor as Chief Tall Elk's adopted son, and his desire to speak their language and learn their ways, create an exciting story you will find difficult to put down.

Adopted by Cheyenne, Adjusting to Captivity

Ten year old Russell Weaver is a bright Midwest farm boy. Because of his red hair and freckles he is called "Rusty." Imaginative and fun loving Rusty day dreams of Cowboys and Indians and of his own heroism. While rafting timber with an Uncle and his brother Rusty was sent ahead to set up camp and to build a campfire. After his boat was stolen Rusty was taken captive by Cheyenne Indians. Rusty's red hair attracts the attention of the chief. Chief Tall Elk and his wife Walking Dove adopt Rusty into their family. Walking Dove has a red haired daughter a year older than Rusty. Late Setting Sun becomes his sister and tutor in the language and customs of the Cheyenne Indians. She often became jealous of Rusty and played tricks on him. Rusty quickly became an integral part of the family and adapted to the ways of the Cheyenne culture. He developed a keen sense of the ways of nature, survival, and in his understanding of the people. The cold winter, misunderstandings, narrow escapes, and tribal competition all add to Rusty's adventures as he took on the ways of the Cheyenne. He learned respect and obedience as he matured. He was rewarded with approval, camaraderie, gifts, and admiration. Rusty Son of Tall Elk" is imaginative, entertaining, and informative. Charles Bertram is a gifted story teller. This is Young Adult Historical Adventure at its finest.