Matas, Carol 1949-

Footsteps in the Snow : the Red River Diary of Isobel Scott / Carol Matas. - 1st ed. - Toronto, ON : Scholastic Canada, 2002. - 185 p. : ill., maps ; 20 cm. - Dear Canada .

"In 1815, after immigrating from Scotland to Canada, thirteen-year-old Isobel chronicles her family's experiences as they adjust to their new home in Rupert's Land, Manitoba, with the help of their Cree Indian neighbors and, especially, White Loon, their father's new wife. November 3, 1815. We arrived today at The Forks! So much as happened since my last entry, and weeks have passed. Near the end of the journey we had to endure another trial. We ran out of food. The hunters were only finding small game, not nearly enough to feed such a large group. At times all I could think of was my empty stomach. This morning when we arrived the sun shone. On the rough wooden dock, waiting for us, were thirteen families - the only settlers who had not been driven away by the North West Company. It was chaos as news was exchanged. I looked around anxiously to get a good view of our new home, but it all looked similar to the landscape we had just travelled. I was anxious to go exploring. I was about to suggest this to James and Robbie when Father hurried over to us and stated, "We cannot even unpack. The settlers have not had a chance to rebuild since the attack. Apparently, there is not enough food for us to spend the winter here." I cannot yet believe it. Such a long and difficult trip, only to discover home is still beyond our grasp." (Book Cover)

9780439988353 (hbk)


Frontier and pioneer life--Manitoba--Fiction.
Remarriage--Fiction.
Cree Indians--Fiction.
Indians of North America--Fiction.
Diaries--Fiction.


Canada--History--1791-1841--Fiction.
Manitoba--History--19th century--Fiction.