LitPick Review
Famous Artic explorer, Robert Peary, takes a young Eskimo, Minik, and five other Eskimos from their native land. Peary brings them to New York City to be presented at the American Museum of Natural History. They are treated like circus acts, and soon four of the six Eskimos are dead including Minik's father, Smiler. Out of the two remaining, one goes back to Greenland, leaving Minik in New York City. The story tells of the unjust way Minik was treated and how it ruined his life forever.
Opinion:
This was a sad book, but it was expertly written. The book is actually based on a historical event, and Peter Lerangis filled in the vague parts to make it into a story. Minik's character is developed very well. It starts when he arrives in New York City and he does not know anything about the culture. As the book progresses, however, he goes through changes that are fascinating to follow. Reluctant readers will find it appealing in size because of the short length of the book, but also a story unlike any others.
