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By Martha Brooks ISBN: 9780888995025format: Paperback pages: 174 publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd pub. date: 2002-03-01 |
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1999 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award winner. Laker, almost 17, arrives in Bemidji with a little bit of money in his pocket on a bus from Duluth. His mother has kicked him out of the house because he doesn't get along with his latest stepfather. For three weeks, Laker lives on the streets, spends time in the local public library, and begs for spare change. One day an old man passes by and gives Laker a handful of change. The octogenarian leaves only to return a few minutes later as a passenger in a car. The old man rolls down the window and asks the question that will change Laker's life - "Do you do yard work?"
And so begins Laker's life with Henry Olsen who, recently widowed, lives alone. Laker moves into Henry's house and does odd jobs for Henry. As the relationship develops, Laker decides to stay with Henry and finds a job working at a lumber mill. But being with Henry isn't going to be easy for Laker. Henry's daughter, Vera Lynne, is overprotective of Henry and distrusts Laker.
In the fall of the year, Laker decides to stay in Bemidji with Henry and to return to high school. Laker does well in school, forms a relationship with Henry's granddaughter, Charlene, and renews contact with his mother who has moved to Winnipeg. As summer approaches, Henry begins reminiscing about his cabin on Heron Lake in Manitoba. It has been several years since Henry has been able to get to the cabin. Henry, Laker and Charlene decide to make a two-week trip to the cabin. It will be an important trip for all three of them, but especially for Laker.
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