Book review: Dear Canada: The Death of My Country by Maxine Trottier

Dear Canada: The Death of My Country by Maxine Trottier (Published by Scholastic Canada, September 1, 2005)

When Geneviève was about five years old, she and her older brother, Chegual, were the sole survivors of a raid on their Abenaki village. They were rescued and brought to Quebec, where they were taken in by a childless couple, the apothecary and his wife. Not long after, the apothecary died, but his wife, Madame Claire, continued to raise the children. Geneviève eventually became more French than Abenaki following her education by the nuns, but her brother never adjusted and eventually left.

Now, Geneviève is twelve and the year is 1759. She continues to live in Quebec with her adoptive mother, Madame Claire. A war rages between France and England over control of some of the North American colonies, and Geneviève finds her peaceful life changing in many ways when the city of Quebec is put under siege by the British. Her brother returns to the city with his best friend, only for them to go off to battle to defend Quebec with other Indian allies.

This was one of the best books in the Dear Canada series. I loved the characters as well as the historical setting. Although it was very sad at times, it was also hopeful. Geneviève was an interesting character - part French, part Abenaki, but fully neither. She was able to give a unique view of the French and Indian War. I'd definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoyed other Dear Canada books or who enjoy the similar Dear America series.