Moose Tracks

I wish this book could be flagged so that seventh grade reading teachers would be aware of it. If there is such a thing as a boy book as opposed to a girl book, this one is. Blood, death, destruction, mystery and nothing stupid, syrupy or fake. The mother speaks to her son as if she trusts him at the 12-year-old level he is. The stepfather relates to him in his own fashion and the complication of the mother expecting their "real" child is handled very well. Seth, the main character, figures out life in its many aspects and the hunter/killer/poacher plot is well-thought out and hard to guess a conclusion (if anyone wants to waste time doing so!). It's the first book I've read that talks about homeschooling in a matter-of-fact way. Though it's a book for 3-4 grade (it seems) readers, it would be EXTREMELY PERFECT for boys in upper grades of special reading classes. Nothing soupy or pretend or "cute" about the writing. I can't wait to read another and hope all appeal to kids as much as I believe this just HAS to!

Moose Tracks is a non stop action book about a boy named Seth who enjoys going hunting with his best friend Matt. Seth decides to go hunting for the first time without his fathers permision and gets his first kill. But when Seth pushes his luck a little to far Seth gets in trouble with some moose poachers that want to make sure Seth doesn't say anything about them. Towards the books conclusion Seth and his buddy Matt get stuck in the poachers abandoned mine, and have to find a way out of there jam while trying to save a moose calf and catch the poachers at the same time. Moose Tracks is a great book for anyone that likes a lot of adventure and action.

I am a fourth grade teacher and use this book in my classroom with my nine and ten year olds. I have to say that we all find the book very interesting and my students don't want to put it down. The plight of Seth and the moose-calf is so compelling that my students love to try to relate to both of these characters and predict what will happen next. Casanova uses some great language to really make the woods in Minnesota come alive.As a teacher I love this book as an instructional tool. It shows my students how fun and informative reading can be. Also Casanova does not talk down to the students, or question their intelligence as so many contemparary young adult writers do. My students are also intrigued to look into the fact behind the fiction. Also, Seth's lifestyle is very different from that of my New England students and therefore it helps to show them the differences between children within their own country. I have just started using this book in my classroom and will continue to do so for years to come.

Our son is nine years old, is an active reader and has read many books. MOOSE TRACKS is his favorite book that he has ever read! It was fun as parents to watch our sons excitement of reading this book. He loved the mystery, the vivid descriptions of Seth and Matts journey, and how the good won over the bad. Their journey took place in the wilderness with natures wild animals and said he felt like he was actually there with Seth and Matt. Throughout the story he could not wait to see what was going to happen next. He was disappointed when the story finally came to an end. Our son cannot wait to use his allowance to buy the sequal book, WOLF SHADOWS. This is our first book we have ever recommended. We look forward to reading the rest of Mary Casanovas books!

Wonderful and perceptive book for all who love the great outdoors. Great attention to details that could only come from personal observations.