Across the Steel River

Book excerpt: It's 1952 in a small prairie town, and bigotry is a way of life. Will and Arthur have been friends forever, but folks figure it won't last. Whites and Indians always outgrow their friendships -- or so they say. And now the boys have made a grisly discovery that threatens to unravel the very fabric of their friendship. A local Indian and World War II hero has been beaten and left for dead near the railway tracks. While the police conclude that a train caused Yellowfly's injuries, Will and Arthur know better. To find answers, they'll have to pursue the case on their own. In their search for justice, the boys discover that true brotherhood sometimes calls for sacrifice. And that courage, like cowardice, can take many forms.