Finders Keepers Author:Andrea Spalding Nominated for the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Award for the 1996 BC Book Prizes, the IODE Award and Ontario's Silver Birch Award, Finders Keepers is a unique and compelling story of two cultures in quest of a sacred past; a story of compassion which bravely explores discriminatory attitudes both toward First Nations peoples and toward ... more »children with learning disabilities. While walking through a neighbourhood field, Danny Budzynski finds an 8000-year old stone point, but it looks strangely unlike those in Fort McLeod's museum. Danny's friend, Joshua Brokenhorn, who lives on the Peigan reserve at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, confirms it is a lance head, but Danny is curious to know more. Enthusiastic about First Nations culture and artifacts, Danny throws himself into his Social Studies research project. But school continues to be a problem for Danny who unknowingly has a learning difficulty. His words just don't come out properly when he tries to write them down and to make matters worse, his teacher Mr. Berg responds with anger and appears unsympathetic, paralyzing Danny with shame. Danny would rather explore the Albertan hills with Joshua anyway, searching for the meaning of the lance head and pursuing adventure - including buffalo hunts, pow wows and archeological digs. The sleuths even break into the museum after being discouraged from visiting. Danny does find answers and the strength, rooted in the arrow head, to succeed, learn and grow. "It is not alwasy easy to articulate the feelings and experiences that go hand in hand with learning disability, and through this story, Spalding has managed to clarify some points for young readers." -Island Parent "Subtly and with the sensitivity that only one who has suffered or watched someone they love endure, Spalding is able to let readers experience the feelings Danny endures...." -Calgary Herald« less