Description

A young boy is captivated by the beauty of the Canadian wilderness where he spends his childhood summers, and as he grows into manhood, he returns to find adventure, love, and a child in need.

The Muskeg Express runs north from Winnipeg, Manitoba to the town of Churchill on the remote shores of Hudson Bay. An environment inhabited by polar bears and caribou, it is a place of striking natural beauty. There is often a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. In spite of its beauty, a harsh wilderness lies along each side of the track. On a rainy night in 1990, as the red taillight of the caboose moves off into the distance, a young girl is abandoned in the darkness after being thrown from the train.

Injured and desperate, ten-year-old Flea finds herself in the company of a paddle trip group, including husband and wife Bruno and Naomi MacTaggart. A doctor practicing in Churchill, Bruno is no stranger to injustice. He has witnessed firsthand the devastation of the Churchill River Diversion Project, its impact on Southern Indian Lake, and the harm it has brought to his wife's tribe, the Woodland Cree, who depend on the lake for their livelihood. With the arrival of Flea, Bruno makes an overwhelming connection and is struck by the contrast of a wanted versus an unwanted child. Has he in his heart what it takes to save this innocent girl?

Spanning nearly two decades, Tossed from The Muskeg Express conveys the restorative power of nature and illustrates the transformative power of love. Timothy McDonnell's vivid tale transports young adult readers to the Canadian wilderness where they are reminded what it means to be not only good stewards of the land but also of one another.