Inuksuk Journey: An Artist at the Top of the World
Grade 5 Up—Nunavut, an Arctic territory in northern Canada, is a cold, open space where inuksuk, piles of stone in the shape of a person used to "mark a family home, welcome guests, guide travelers, and ensure safe passage," are commonly found. Wallace has developed a passion for these ancient messengers, and here she presents a journal of her weeklong trek to Inuksugassait, a place where countless numbers of the stone markers stand. The author expresses awe and respect as she connects with the land. What appeared to be a barren white expanse on day one is soon revealed to be a sacred space that has provided for the people there for thousands of years. Wallace includes personal photos, sketches, and comments that give readers an intimate portrait of life in this place. Over a dozen vibrant oil paintings depicting scenes from her journey are scattered throughout. She relates the necessity of hunting, and tells how a seal can provide clothing, food, and oil for an entire family. Polar bears, caribou, and whales are among the wildlife spotted on the journey. Readers will be fascinated by this firsthand account of true adventure.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, COCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.