From Booklist
Noah must spend a semester in the far north of Quebec with a father he barely knows who teaches at an Inuit school where Noah is considered an outsider. Trying to fit inβand to escape his dadβs houseβNoah agrees to go on a winter camping trip with several of the students. But northern Quebec in the winter is a far cry from downtown Montreal, and Noah is not quite prepared for the challenges that he encounters in the wilderness. In events taking place over the course of just a few days, the harsh living conditions and culture of the Inuit abound. Yet the actions, thoughts, and fears portrayed are of any typical 15-year-old boy who finds himself in an atypical setting. Making friends with a bully, a first kiss, and an eventual reconciliation with his dad are unsurprising plot elements, but the commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) will keep readersβ attention. Grades 7-10. --Shauna Yusko
Review
"Useful for its discussion of Canada's Inuit culture and the history of oppression that accompanies it, as well as the effect of climate change on northern life. I highly recommend this book; it is engaging, entertaining and a pleasure to read." (CM Magazine 20100401)
"Noah's greatest adventure is discovering that the middle of nowhere can be the beginning of something new." (The Alan Review 20100701)
"The harsh living conditions and culture of the Inuit abound. Yet, the actions, thoughts, and fears portrayed are of any typical 15-year-old boy who finds himself in an atypical setting The commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) keeps our attention." (Booklist 20091001)
no details (NMRLS Youth Services Review 20090915)
"A well-crafted, revealing look at Inuit culture A memorable book - a very worthwhile and important read for youth who are open to learning about the lived experiences of others with much to teach." (Canadian Children's Book News 20091101)
"A powerful novel that blends the emotional insecurities of young teenage boys with their need to be strong...Polak delivers her tale with a simplicity and realism that brings the readers into the northern world." (Resource Links )
"A great deal of information about daily life and Inuit culture is packed into the recounting of a few days in the community. Beer, bullying and a hint of romance keep the first-person narrative in the typical 15-year-old realm. The conditions of life are harsh but not impossible, and the gradual rapprochement between Noah and his dad adds a nice counterpoint to Noah's reaction to this exotic world into which he not only arrives but that he discovers he admires." (Kirkus Reviews )
"The survival-adventure details will engage reluctant readers [and] the story has elements of romance when Noah strives to impress an Inuit classmate Add this to survival/adventure collections." (School Library Journal )