The Big Sky (novel) facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | A. B. Guthrie Jr. |
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| Cover artist | Alan Haemer |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Western |
| Publisher | William Sloane Associates |
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Publication date
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1947 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Followed by | The Way West |
The Big Sky is an exciting Western novel written by A. B. Guthrie Jr. in 1947. It's the first of six books that tell the story of the Oregon Trail and how the state of Montana grew. The story starts around 1830, when brave mountain men explored the wild lands. It continues through the time of big cattle ranches in the 1880s and even closer to modern times.
The first three books in the series – The Big Sky, The Way West, and Fair Land, Fair Land – form a complete story on their own. They begin in the 1830s and finish in the 1870s.
Contents
Boone's Early Adventures
Boone Caudill is a young man living in Kentucky with his family. Many people at this time were moving further west across America. Boone's father was very strict and sometimes harsh with his family. One night, after Boone got into some trouble, he had a big argument with his father. Boone decided it was time to leave home quickly.
He went back to the house and took his father's special rifle. His mother even gave him some roast chicken for his journey. With that, Boone ran away to start a new life.
A New Life in the West
Boone remembered his uncle, Zeb Calloway, who was a mountain man. His parents thought Zeb was a bit wild, but Boone decided that life was for him! He set off for the West and the mountains. On his journey, he met a man named Jim Deakins, who had a cart and a mule. Jim told Boone he always wanted more adventure in his life. He decided Boone had a great idea and wanted to join him.
When they reached the next town, Jim sold his mule and wagon to get money for their travels. But Boone's father had also arrived in town, looking for his rifle. To escape, Boone jumped into a nearby river. Jim shouted from the riverbank, telling Boone to wait for him.
Trouble and Escape
Boone continued his journey alone for a bit and met another traveler, Jonathan Bedwell. To Boone's surprise, Bedwell stole his rifle! Boone kept traveling, determined to get his rifle back. He soon saw Bedwell outside another town and tried to get his rifle back.
A sheriff nearby broke up their fight. The sheriff took them to court, and after a quick trial, Bedwell was given the rifle. Everyone believed it was his. Boone was told to spend time in jail, but he refused to admit he did anything wrong. So, the sheriff punished him.
Meanwhile, Jim Deakins was following the same path Boone had taken. He heard about what happened from the local people. Jim pretended to be just curious about the events. He managed to get the sheriff very relaxed, then secretly took the jail keys and set Boone free! They went back to the inn. Boone found a horse, and they quickly left the area for St. Louis.
Journey on the Missouri River
Boone and Jim traveled for a while. Then, they were hired to work on a French keelboat. This boat was traveling up the Missouri River. On the boat, they met Dick Summers, who was the boat's hunter and guide. Dick became a good role model for Boone, especially since Boone's quick temper often got him into trouble.
On the boat, the captain had a young Native American woman named Teal Eye. She was from the Blackfoot tribe. The captain and his first mate had told everyone not to talk to her. They wanted to make sure she was safe and respected when she returned to her family. Boone was very interested in Teal Eye. When they reached Blackfoot country, Teal Eye disappeared one night. Soon after, the Blackfoot people attacked the keelboat. They destroyed it and everyone on board was killed, except for Boone, Jim, and Dick, who managed to escape.
Life as a Mountain Man
A big part of the novel shows Boone Caudill becoming a fur trapper. He faced many challenges as he moved further away from towns and settled areas. Dick Summers realized he was getting too old for the tough life of a mountain man. He decided to leave Jim Deakins and Boone Caudill. Dick returned to his land in Missouri to become a farmer.
Boone continued to think about Teal Eye. Eventually, he found her again. By this time, many Blackfoot people had been lost due to a sickness. Boone brought gifts and managed to convince Teal Eye's brother, who was now the chief, to let him be with Teal Eye. She used sign language to show Boone that she cared for him.
Jim Deakins, Teal Eye, and Boone lived peacefully within the tribe. Boone finally felt like he had found a place where he belonged. Teal Eye and Boone had a child. However, Boone became very confused and upset. He made a terrible choice and hurt Jim Deakins. Then, Boone left Teal Eye and their child, fleeing back east.
Back to Kentucky
When Boone arrived back in Kentucky, his mother mentioned that some people in their family had red hair. Boone couldn't handle his confusion or the quiet, settled life in Kentucky. He quickly left for the West again. He didn't even realize he was running until he saw his dog trying to keep up with him.
Boone stopped at Dick Summers's farm in Missouri. Boone talked about how the beautiful, wild West that the first white explorers knew was changing. "It's all spoiled, I guess, Dick. The whole thing," he said. Boone then admitted that he had hurt Jim Deakins. "This hand did it... I hurt Jim." Instead of staying even one night with Dick Summers, Boone Caudill rushed out the door and continued his journey.
