Two Roads

Written by Joseph Bruchac

A boy uncovers his Native heritage at a harsh boarding school during the Great Depression.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,228 ratings

320 pages· 77,939 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

In 1932, twelve-year-old Cal Black's life changes when his father leaves him at a boarding school for Native Americans. As Cal navigates the harsh conditions, he discovers his Creek heritage and forms bonds with fellow students. Will these new friendships help him find strength and identity amidst adversity? Cal's journey of self-discovery unfolds against the backdrop of the Great Depression, revealing a world of cultural richness and resilience.

From the publisher

In 1932, twelve-year-old Cal must stop being a hobo with his father and go to a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school, where he begins learning about his history and heritage as a Creek Indian.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Words: 77,939
Reading age: 10–14
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 740L

Themes & topics

Books about homelessness Books about culture Books about starting school Books about 20th century Books about history

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Abuse

As a father describes a teacher at his boarding school, it is implied that the teacher was abusing female students. It is also implied the father set a trap for the teacher that caused him to fall down some stairs and suffer permanent brain damage.

Language

The book uses some period language, including frequent uses of "Indian" and several uses of "Negro."

For readers who can't stop at one