Title: The Cremation of Sam McGeeAuthor: Robert W. Service
Illustrator: Ted Harrison
Publish Date: July 2006
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Limited
Pages: 32pp
ISBN: 155453092X
Classification: Fiction
Genre: Folktale
Annotation: A classic Yukon adventure poem about a man name Sam McGee who is constantly suffering from the cold—so much so that he convinces his companion on the trail to cremate him he should die.
Plot Summary: Sam McGee is constantly struggling with the cold while along an Arctic trail. One day, McGee persuades his trail companion (the narrator of the story) to cremate him if he shall die. That very same day, McGee passes away leaving the companion obligated to keep his promise. We follow the companion on his journey to cremate Sam McGee and to finally keep him warm.
Personal Response: A poignant tale brought to life by the evocative paintings of Ted Harrison. I really appreciated reading the forward by Pierre Berton, as it gave me insight on the creators of this book and into the story/poem as a whole. I found this tale to be humorous and touching as the narrator kept his bargain and finally gave Sam McGee some warmth.
~Reader’s Advisory~
Themes: If you make a promise to someone, keep it.
Age Range: 9 to 12
Subjects: Death, Yukon, Adventure, Humor, Cremation, Journey, Cold, Poem
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