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  • Published: 4 April 2022
  • ISBN: 9781984815392
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • RRP: $16.99

Peacemaker




Twelve-year-old Okwaho's life has suddenly changed. While he and his best friend are out hunting, his friend is kidnapped by men from a neighboring tribal nation, and Okwaho barely escapes. Everyone in his village fears more raids and killings: The Five Nations of the Iroquois have been at war with one another for far too long, and no one can remember what it was like to live in peace.

Okwaho is so angry that he wants to seek revenge for his friend, but before he can retaliate, a visitor with a message of peace comes to him in the woods. The Peacemaker shares his lesson tales—stories that make Okwaho believe that this man can convince the leaders of the five fighting nations to set down their weapons. So many others agree with him. Can all of them come together to form the Iroquois Great League of Peace?

A twelve-year-old Iroquois boy searches for peace in this historical novel based on the creation of the Iroquois Confederacy.

Twelve-year-old Okwaho's life has suddenly changed. While he and his best friend are out hunting, his friend is kidnapped by men from a neighboring tribal nation, and Okwaho barely escapes. Everyone in his village fears more raids and killings: The Five Nations of the Iroquois have been at war with one another for far too long, and no one can remember what it was like to live in peace.

Okwaho is so angry that he wants to seek revenge for his friend, but before he can retaliate, a visitor with a message of peace comes to him in the woods. The Peacemaker shares his lesson tales—stories that make Okwaho believe that this man can convince the leaders of the five fighting nations to set down their weapons. So many others agree with him. Can all of them come together to form the Iroquois Great League of Peace?

  • Published: 4 April 2022
  • ISBN: 9781984815392
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 160
  • RRP: $16.99

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Praise for Peacemaker

Praise for Peacemaker
“The included stories allow Bruchac to share much about Iroquioan family life, culture, and worldviews, and should put to rest the numerous errors to be found in Longfellow’s poem 'The Song of Hiawatha.' Told with grace, this will be welcomed in history classes and those look for successful examples of nonviolent anti-bullying strategies.”—Booklist

“Bruchac brings a fresh point of view to this briskly told fictionalization of the Iroquois Confederacy’s beginnings.”—Publishers Weekly

Praise for Joseph Bruchac
"Cal's cleareyed first-person narration drives the novel. Meticulously honest, generous, autonomous and true, he sees things for what they are rather than what he'd like them to be. The result is one of Bruchac's best books." —New York Times Book Review on Two Roads

* "A tautly paced and compelling story of self-discovery, family, belonging, and friendship." —The Horn Book, starred review of Two Roads

* "A tale of depth and universal humanity. . . . This is a strong middle grade novel that offers a needed perspective on Cherokee history and the life of a key historical figure." —School Library Journal, starred review of Talking Leaves

* "Readers who choose the book for the attraction of Navajo code talking and the heat of battle will come away with more than they ever expected to find." —Booklist, starred review of Code Talker

"Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring." —School Library Journal review of Code Talker

The Winter People Accolades:
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth
An IRA Notable Books for a Global Society
NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book (Social Studies)

Skeleton Man Accolades:
ALA Notable Book
IRA/CBC Children's Choice
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year