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Copper Sunrise
Scholastic Canada
ISBN 0-590-73835-6 PBK
114 pages;
Ages 10-14


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Copper Sunrise
by Bryan Buchan

The tragic story of the end of the Beothuks comes to life in this novel of the early days of colonization in Canada. Part of the Gold Leaf Series.

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Excerpt from COPPER SUNRISE
by Bryan Buchan

In one of our fields was a lark's nest, and on some days I could sit for half the afternoon watching the male bird on top of the stone wall. He liked the feel of the warm sunlight, the sound of the buzzing swarms of insects, the colour woven into the grass. It was his world, and he was in charge. I almost wanted to be that bird.

One bright afternoon I crouched in the deep grass, leaning against an old rock that had fallen long ago from the crumbling wall. The lark was sitting proudly on a bit of post that stuck above gorse bushes of the hedgerow.

His song was soothing; I began to daydream, dim images flooding my mind in rhythm with his notes, flowing and melting into one another. The real world was far away.

Slowly, almost as though it were a part of my daydream, I saw the lark stiffen. A few feathers floated out from his body as he fell from the post.

I lifted myself from the grass and moved towards the place where he had fallen. A familiar voice was speaking beside me but I paid no heed.

There, in the sharp spikes of the gorse bush, hung my lark, still alive. His bill moved slowly, open and shut. His glazed eyes stared into nothing. And again the voice at my side.

The lark's head dropped onto his twisted wind. Gradually his eyes turned dull and filmy as his life drained away. Robert was beside me, with a sling clutched in his hand.

From Copper Sunrise. Copyright © 1972 by Bryan Buchan




Your Reviews

"I loved this book. It really helped me visualize how the story was taking place. Even though I don't believe there is such a thing as "Copper Sunrise", I think it is pretty cool. Overall, this book is an excellent book."
Ash G., Age 12, Ontario, Rating: 9

"I loved this book. I think that it is a very, very good book for people who love to learn about our history while reading a really interesting book. Good job Bryan Buchan and good luck on your next book!"
Mc Kayla D., Prince Edward Island, Rating: 9

"This book was great! It really seemed like it was written a long time ago because Bryan Buchan uses words like 'savages.' Not suprisingly, this book caused a lot of controversy between the Natives."
Sarah F., Age 13, British Columbia, Rating: 7

"This is an outstanding book. Sad, touching and a must-read. Probably Buchan's best book yet."
Bill J, Age 16, Yukon, Rating: 8

"A tragic story about life and death. It is about a young boy who meets a native that will change his aspect about the village and ways of life. "Their bodies will be in the West soon where the sun rises."
Daniel M, Age 14, Yukon, Rating: 8

"I think this book was really good. Our class read it all together and pretty much all of us thought it was a really sad book, especially when Craven shot Shadothai. I recommend this book for people to read."
Shyanah K., Age 12, Ontario, Rating: 10

"This is a great book, and it is so sad. I had to do this book for novel study."
Sana S., Age 11, Ontario, Rating: 8

"Copper Sunrise is an excellent book to read. It's great!"
Robin, Age 11, Ontario, Rating: 8

"To me, Copper Sunrise was a very tragic book. It also taught me a lot about aboriginal people. I liked the way the author described the book."
Navjot S., Age 11, Ontario, Rating: 10

"This is a sad story about two boys who can not be friends because Mr. Craven the boss thinks that the Beothuk natives are heathens and savages which they are not — they are beautiful people who respect every culture. It was great!!!!"
Dalia E., Age 11, Alberta, Rating: 10

"Copper Sunrise is an amazing book about a kid named Jamie and his friend named Teathini."
Zoe J., Age 12, Alberta, Rating: 10

"This book was so good and sad at the end! It actually made me cry a lot because of poor Tethani and his family!"
E.P., Age 12, Alberta, Rating: 10

"This book was great, except they should make a movie about it for younger kids."
Jamie T., Age 14, Rating: 8



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