Sajo and the Beaver People by Grey Owl

Bibliographic Information

Grey Owl. (1935). Sajo and the Beaver People. London: Lovat Dickson.

Descriptive Summary

This story follows the adventures of two young beavers after they are rescued by a First Nations hunter and taken to his village to live with his children Sajo and Shapian. The beavers grow up as members of the family and community. 

Rich with vivid descriptions of northern Canada’s scenery and the First Nations way of life at that time and place, this story is a charming historical read. With strong underlying messages of the importance of nature conservation, and the personification of the beavers as the main characters of the book, this story carries an important message targeted at a youth audience.

Evaluative Comments

This novel was enjoyable to read with its rich descriptions of rural and historic First Nations life in Canada, allowing the reader to feel as if they were really present in Grey Owl's tale. Even more important to the story however, are the lives of the Beaver People and their story of survival despite increased trapping in their northern homeland. Based on his own experience of turning from a life of trapping to one of speaking up for habitat conversation, this story by the famous Grey Owl rings true.

I would give this book a 10/10.

Suggested Audience

Ages 12 and up.

Readers’ Advisory Notes

character-centered, wholesome, hopeful, contemplative

If you enjoyed this book, try these other titles by Grey Owl:

• The Men of the Last Frontier
• Pilgrims of the Wild
• Tales of an Empty Cabin

Booktalking Hook

Environmental messages are something that today's youth are bombarded with, having grown up in this time of global warming. But have you ever wondered where the idea originated?

When it was first decided upon by trapper Grey Owl at the turn of the 20^th century that natural resources including the beaver and its habitat were worth saving, he reached out to the world with his heart-felt writings of his life amongst the beavers and the world listened. And this happened right here in our own backyard.

Reason for Inclusion

Grey Owl was a famous Canadian whose writings still carry an important message. This tale targeted at youth is listed in the “How Novel! Canadian Young Adult Literature” guide as a "classic."

Category

Historical or Classic