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A review by roseleaf24
Song of the Pines: A Story of Norwegian Lumbering in Wisconsin by Marion Havighurst, Walter Havighurst, Richard Floethe
3.0
This was a better story than many of the westward expansion Newbery honor books I have read. I enjoyed the Norwegian culture described and the friendships that develop between the two families on the ship and Nils, the independent teenaged orphan. This book was a part of a series of books called "Land of the Free," and that is definitely the America that is honored here.
However, in a stirring speech about how there are no bondsmen in America, and everyone can work for themselves, and with low taxes and freedom of religion, build a good life for themselves, Father Svendson neglects to mention that there is still slavery at the time depicted here. A few noble "savages" begin to breakdown some of the racist stereotypes shown, but in general the racism is unchecked.
However, in a stirring speech about how there are no bondsmen in America, and everyone can work for themselves, and with low taxes and freedom of religion, build a good life for themselves, Father Svendson neglects to mention that there is still slavery at the time depicted here. A few noble "savages" begin to breakdown some of the racist stereotypes shown, but in general the racism is unchecked.