20. [Trace Through the Forest] by Barbara Robinson

Written more than half a century ago, Robinson managed to do a good job of not being racist even by today's standards. In 1965, I'd have to guess she was pretty progressive.

The story itself - a tale of settlers carving a road through Ohio wilderness to usher in settlement further into the interior - told from the view of a 14-year-old boy. He grows throughout - realizing native Americans aren't necessarily the enemy and the world he's falling in love with during his journey will disappear with settlers arriving. He befriends a Shawnee brave and it changes him profoundly.

The story is targeted at tweens - although that term probably didn't exist back then. I read it to my 9-year-old daughter over the course of a number of bedtimes. She enjoyed it. ( )