Alice Walsh, illustrated by Jerry Whitehead
Pomiuk, Prince of the North.
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 2004

Rating: A*

In 1893 the World's Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago to mark the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus voyage to North America in 1942. This fair introduced the Midway and the Ferris Wheel to the world and also launched the zipper, Cracker Jacks, Juicy Fruit Gum, and Shredded Wheat. It also showcased dozens of different cultures from around the world by importing whole villages and having people "live out" their culture. One of the most popular of these villages was the Eskimo Village from Labrador, where a young Eskimo boy, Pomiuk, became a star attraction because of his skill in handling the dog whip.

Based on a real boy, Alice Walsh recreates the story of Pomiuk's adventure through a first person telling. Pomiuk tells of his journey from the cost of Labrador to Chicago, the funny tasting food of the white people, his experiences at the World's Columbian Exposition and the various rides and other attractions there, along with his friendship with Mr. Martin, a missionary who had spent time in Labrador. In a rough game of "kick" Pomiuk suffers a broken leg and eventually ends up at the Grenfell Hospital in St. Anthony, Newfoundland on his way back home.

Through the efforts of Mr. Martin and Dr. Grenfell, and operation is performed to try to correct the poblem with Pomiuk's leg and while it is somewhat successful, he has to spend the rest of his life on crutches.

The story is simply told and will appeal to young readers who have an interest in adventure and stories of the Far North. Cree artist Jerry Whitehead's black and white illustrations add a cultural flavour to the text. This story can be used in themes of Canada's Native Peoples, the Inuit and cultural identity.

Thematic Links: Inuit, Labrador, World's Columbian Exposition.

Victoria Pennell
Vol. 10, number 2
December 2004
Victoria Pennell is the editor of Resource Links.

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Avarage, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.