In the French and Indian War, the Indians had backed the French, and in 1763 at the close of the war, the British treated them with suspicion and contempt.

They stood with their backs against the Mississippi in the face of the white man's push toward the setting sun. If they were to save themselves and their homelands, they would gave to make one more stand, but they needed a leader to direct their revolt. 

That leader was Pontiac, and RED RUNS THE RIVER, by John Tebbel, noted writer of historical fiction and nonfiction, is his story. Though Pontiac's war ended in failure, it was a magnificent effort which nearly succeeded. 

This intelligent, formidable Ottawa chief, a natural leader of men, united four powerful tribes and inspired still others to follow him. Before he was defeated, he had captured no fewer than nine British forts, forced his enemy to abandon another, and placed two more under siege. The King's best general, who had just won the whole continent, could not end the rebellion. In the end, it was Pontiac's own people who betrayed him and lost the war. 

Young readers will better understand the beginnings of our country, after reading about what really happened at this critical moment in the life of our nation.

From the dust jacket