A Circle Unbroken

Set in 1845, this is an exceptionally moving first novel about a young white woman, Rachel, raised among Oglala Sioux. Kidnapped and raped as a 10-year-old by renegades, then lovingly adopted by a Sioux chief and his wife, Rachel is again taken captive at the beginning of the story: bounty hunters are taking her ``home'' to her settler family. Her father, an austere Christian minister, expects her to return to the ways of her race, but Rachel fears this will slowly destroy her. Others in the town grow to love her, but no one, except for her little brother Daniel, respects her beliefs. Their ignorance of Indian lifeand hatred of what they know little aboutis complete. Despite minor over-writing, this book shows remarkable technical skill. Hotze evokes immediate sympathy for Rachel; a sequel about her return to the plains would be welcome. Ages 12-up. (September)