A Boy Called Allis

Eleven-year-old Allister McRuer’s fears materialize when he and his

family arrive at their Manitoba pioneer homestead in 1892. What could make

it worse? Being called Allis.

During the trip from Lachute, Quebec to Cherry Creek, Manitoba, Allister

shares a train boxcar with three of his brothers and all of their family’s

livestock. The closer he gets to the homestead his father and oldest

brother, John, started three years ago, the worse Allister’s misery gets as

older brother, Will, torments Allister by calling him “Allis,” a name he

hates because it sounds like “Alice.”

Allister’s first hour in Cherry Creek does little to ease his concerns.

While their brothers unload the McRuers’ two boxcars, Allister and his twin

brother, Jim, explore the town. Allister is discouraged at the small size of

the local school, wondering how he will ever finish grade eight.

As they continue walking, Allister and Jim witness a terrible accident.

Although they’re able to help a horse and an injured driver, Allister’s

anxiety over his family’s move to the prairies takes a new turn when he’s

told that the only doctor within seventy miles is out of town on another

call. Who can he get to help them?