Once on This Island, Gloria Whelan

Description

It is the summer of 1812, and war comes to the remote Michilimackinaw island in Northern Lake Huron. Papa, a proclaimed American, refuses to take an oath of allegiance to Great Britain, and joins the American forces. To secure their farm he leaves it in their care.  Jacque wants desperately to leave the farm and become a fur trapper. Sister, Angelique has eyes for a British soldier, and Mary must try to keep the O’Shea family intact, while dealing with the hardships of farming and British occupation. It is a reminder that youngsters had to take on adult burdens during difficult times.

Relationships become complicated as former British soldiers, who claimed American citizenship after the Revolutionary War, find themselves under British occupation. Many must rejoin the British army or be tried as traitors. Others like Mary’s father leave to fight on the American side. Once on This Island is a living book is a good introduction to the war of 1812, farming and fur trading and the divided loyalties between the British, Americans, fur traders and Native Americans.