A Boy Called Allis

Allister of Turtle Mountain Series: Book One

Eleven-year-old Allister McRuer’s fears materialize when he and his family arrive at their Manitoba pioneer homestead in 1892. What could make it worse? Being called Allis.

During the trip from Lachute, Quebec to Cherry Creek, Manitoba, Allister shares a train boxcar with three of his brothers and all of their family’s livestock. The closer he gets to the homestead his father and oldest brother, John, started three years ago, the worse Allister’s misery gets as older brother, Will, torments Allister by calling him “Allis,” a name he hates because it sounds like “Alice.”

Allister’s first hour in Cherry Creek does little to ease his concerns. While their brothers unload the McRuers’ two boxcars, Allister and his twin brother, Jim, explore the town. Allister is discouraged at the small size of the local school, wondering how he will ever finish grade eight.

As they continue walking, Allister and Jim witness a terrible accident. Although they’re able to help a horse and an injured driver, Allister’s anxiety over his family’s move to the prairies takes a new turn when he’s told that the only doctor within seventy miles is out of town on another call. Who can he get to help them?

Softcover Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.5

Page Count: 184

About the Author:

Patricia Linson, a retired teacher, lives with her husband, Irv, in Minnesota. Through her Manitoba relatives, she keeps in touch with her Canadian prairie roots. Although Patricia has published short stories about family members in Kindred Spirit and The Senior Paper, A Boy Called Allis is her debut novel, the first of the three-book series, Allister of Turtle Mountain. Book II: Hope for Allis is also available and Book III: Becoming Bob is coming in 2019.