OUT OF PRINT Smiler's Bones is a historical fiction novel that draws on the explorations of Robert Peary in 1897 and his actions that brought six Greenland Eskimos (Inuit) to New York City and put them on display at the American Museum of Natural History. The book focuses on the Minik, the son of Smiler (Qisuk) and his life in New York after the death of four members of their party including his father. The book uses flashbacks to tell Minik's story of his life as a young child in his home community and then his travels with Peary to New York City. The joy of Minik's home life is set against the tragedy that befalls him after the death of his father in New York. The Inuit are displayed like artifacts to the curious public. Shortly after entering the circus-like atmosphere of the museum the Inuit become ill and then most die. Minik's father's death is particularly painful because his body is not buried during the sham funeral. Instead the museum officials have replaced the body with a log so the body can be used for "research". Minik believes that his father is buried and then is sent to live with a museum employee's family. The story is told from Minik's perspective and the author does an excellent job of filling in the gaps of Minik's short life in New York. The boy's emotions are portrayed with sensitivity and honesty. In the end Minik tries desperately to return to Greenland and the story ends with the possibility of this happening. However the author's note at the end of the book reveals the truth about Minik's life and his efforts to have his father's body buried properly. Overall this is sad story that recounts an historical event and questions the role of science and exploration. A gripping story that will appeal to senior elementary students. This title is also available in a paperback format.
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