Walk the World's Rim

In her second historical novel, Mrs. Baker tells the story of Chakoh, a young Indian boy living at the end of the sixteenth century in the desperately poor east Texas hill country.To Chakoh's village come three Spaniards and a Negro slave, Esteban, who agree to take Chakoh with them to Mexico. Esteban and Chakoh become close friends and Esteban teaches the boy the Spaniards' ways. But the most important lessons the Indian boy learns are those of honor and courage and that slavery, rather than the slave, is to be despised.

Thisstory is based on Cabeza de Vaca's 16th-century expedition through the Southwest, the period of theSpanish conquest of Mexico. Walk the World'sRimoffers a vivid portrait of Mexican life and the harsh conditions of a primitive Indian tribe. Though the story starts slow, there isenoughinteresting historical detailto make it worth your time.