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Reader Reviews for "North Woods Poachers"

Reviewed by Wayne Walker	7/3/2012
Do you know what a poacher is? Andy Washburn, almost twelve, and his cousin CJ, the same age, are making their annual two-week fishing vacation trip with their families from their home in the United States to Dore Lake in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. They have been doing this as long as they can remember, but neither boy really likes to fish all that much, so this year they plan for things to be different. They hope that their parents will agree to let them fish a day or two then be allowed to explore the area around their cabins. At the border crossing station, their trucks are searched and they see another vehicle out of which a crate of wood turtles and two bags of eagle feathers are taken by the authorities. Poachers! When they arrive at Dore Lake, some strange things start happening. A couple of black planes fly in to a nearby deserted lodge after dark and out again before morning on several nights. While playing in the woods, the boys and their nine-year-old sisters Sarah and Jessica climb an old forest fire watch tower, and with his dad’s telescope, which he took without permission, Andy sees some things which lead him to the conclusion that the lodge houses poachers. As they investigate further, they are chased by men on ATVs through the woods and on jet skis over the lake, as well as by vicious guard dogs. CJ is a computer whiz who tests new products for his father’s electronics store and has brought a lot of the newest gadgets along. They come in very handy. But will the boys get caught? And will their families be safe? This is the second book by author Max Elliot Anderson that I have read, and both have been great. Max uses an exciting and adventuresome story to appeal to struggling, reluctant readers. Yet, there is more than just an interesting tale here. The Washburn cousins, who are also best friends, are motivated by a sense of justice at the mistreatment of the animals by the poachers. There is also the importance of family traditions and respecting one’s parents. And it is realistic. The kids are not “perfect.” They make some mistakes, but the boys learn the valuable lesson that one must be careful in striving to do good not to use the wrong means. It is always enjoyable to read a good book which pictures happy, two-parent families who, in spite of any problems that may arise, love each other and learn to solve their difficulties. I would happily take an Anderson book over much of what is palmed off as young people’s literature today.