About the Author

"The Home Wind," which is a U.P. Notable Book recipient, is Terri Martin's second middle-grade children's book. The story was inspired by learning the rich history of the U.P. and envisioning the hardships that were endured during those times. Her other children's book, Voodoo Shack (formerly "A Family Trait") is set in rural Michigan in the 1960s. Additionally, Martin has authored three books of humorous short stories and a full-length Upper Michigan novel entitled Moose Willow Mystery. Terri's stories often reflect the culture and characters she has encountered, both in Upper Michigan and during the years she lived "below the bridge." Martin moved to Upper Michigan in the year 2000 and she and her husband enjoy watching the menagerie of freeloading wildlife from their home on the Silver River. Terri has a master's degree in English and has taught college success courses, tutored English at the college level, and served as an aide for college composition classes. Visit the author's website at www.terrilynnmartin.com

Reviews

"Steeped in carefully researched historical events in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, The Home Wind is a delight. Martin's characters captured my heart and made the story come alive--two boys struggling to understand the world around them. This is also an important book for anyone interested in the history of Michigan's logging industry and in the Native peoples of Michigan. I highly recommend The Home Wind, and if you are looking for a gift for your middle reader, it's perfect!" -- Sue Harrison, author of The Midwife's Touch"The Home Wind is a gripping story set in the U.P. circa 1870. The main character, Jamie, begins early to have guilt and maturity issues to overcome as a young boy growing up in a lumber camp in the Upper Peninsula. There are several points that really stand out. The main one is the Native American character and the friendship he develops with the main character. Both young boys have issues with their fathers and find ways to resolve that by the novel's end. Another highlight is the attention to historical detail. Martin really captures what a logging camp was like, what the town of Seney was like - famously wild, but perhaps only on weekends - and my favorite section was the Marinette/Menonimee fire which was dramatically and vividly depicted. Altogether a wonderful book for young adult readers and anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in the U.P. 4" -- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of The Marquette Trilogy"The author weaves the backstory of the two boys through action and dialogue, with impeccably researched details. Her descriptions of the scenes and action make a reader feel as if they are right there in the middle of it all. Readers can't miss the symbolism found throughout the book and a wonderful way to learn about the past at the same time. The Home Wind should go far, and not just with young audiences. A great discussion guide can be found at the end of the book for classroom, homeschool, or adult book club use." .-- Deborah K. Frontiera, U.P Book Review"The Home Wind is a U.P. Notable Book Award Winner. As a former teacher, I recommend this as an 'all boy' book for reluctant readers. (The main character), Jamie, finds a sick boy, Gray Feather, in a barn. Mother and Jamie care for him as the boys become friends. The two boys became friends in the 1870s at a logging camp. The hardships of the boys are true because of the author's well-researched history of the time. It is a page-turner that I could not put down. Jamie's father is killed in a logging accident. His mother, the camp cook, tries to keep Jamie safe by giving him kitchen duties. Jamie longs to be a man and do what he considers men's work. Accidents, drinking, fighting, severe weather, lack of money, and fires all cause plenty of issues. It is incredible how the people carry on. Each boy has lost one parent. Gray Feather wants to find his father, but not for reasons you might suppose. The backstory for each of the main characters helps explain the major story. One joy Jamie has is riding horses to deliver lunch to the men, which is a bright spot in his day. However, it wasn't easy to trudge home with supplies if a horse ran off. Those days, children could not always tell their parents the complete truth for fear of punishment. Gray Feather explains Kee-way-din means the wind that calls me home. A discussion guide at the end of the book is a plus for teachers and book clubs." -- Carolyn Wilhelm, Midwest Book Review