Jim Rawls has written a great book for teaching about the controversial and sensitive California "Mission Period" with "Never Turn Back: Father Serra's Mission". People have strong feelings about Father Junipero Serra. Some consider him to be the catalyst and villain who caused the beginning of the decimation of California Indian tribes. Others want him to be named a saint. Rawls makes the priest appear sincere, determined, but at times, misguided. Rawls describes the arduous journey Serra took north from Baja California to San Diego and the battles the Tipai fought with the Spanish once Serra's party arrived. The author used real quotes from 1700's diaries to hep write this book. The book includes black and white drawings by Susan Carlson and an introduction by general editor Alex Haley. ( )