Murphy & Mousetrap

by Sylvia Olsen

Overview

Murphy's mother has just moved him and their cat, Mousetrap, back to the reserve in Port Alberni. Although he belongs to the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, Murphy is sure that he won't fit in, and he worries about Mousetrap, who has always been an indoor cat. When a bunch of local boys drag him to their soccer practice, put him in goal and pelt him with balls, he believes that his worst fear has come true. However, he seems to be discovering a new talent at the same time. And perhaps he has misjudged. Being a light-skinned city boy thrust onto a reserve far from the city is not easy, but maybe Murphy has what it takes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554696758
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	04/01/2005
Series:	Orca Young Readers
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	3 MB
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Sylvia Olsen lives in North Saanich near Victoria, British Columbia, with her partner Tom, and Jude, their very beautiful and energetic Australian shepherd.

Read an Excerpt

"You deaf?" Albert hollered. "You got trouble hearing plain English, white boy?"

"Hey, man," Jeff said. "Murphy's my cousin."

"You know how to play soccer?" Albert said.

"Not really" was all Murphy could say.

Editorial Reviews

Though the title does not suggest it, the main character of this book is a Native American. Murphy, whose mother decides to move back to the First Nation reservation where she grew up, must make the shift from living in a culturally diverse city to life as a newcomer on the reservation. While he has many relatives there, Murphy's light skin, blond hair, and small stature invite name-calling and bullying. His skill at soccer, however, wins over even the most relentless bullies as he helps his team win the soccer tournament. Murphy's cat, Mousetrap, mirrors Murphy's own journey from timid, misplaced outsider to confident member of the reservation. This book, written by a First Nation member, contains authentic glimpses of what life is like today on a First Nation reservation. The themes of the book, such as bullying, perseverance, and growing up, however, could apply to any child anywhere. As one of a relatively few children's books showing contemporary Native American life, this book would be valuable in any classroom considering this population. 2005, Orca Book Publishers, Ages 8 to 12.
—Sheryl O'Sullivan

Children's Literature

"Aptly conveys the feelings of a child relocating to a new community and school...An excellent way of introducing children to life on a First Nation reserve. Recommended."

CM Magazine