The Longest Walk is the story of yet another deception by the European settlers of America upon the Native Americans.  It is based on the true story of the Walking Purchase that ended the trust and harmony between the Native Americans and the white settlers.  The story is told through the eyes of two teenagers, one white, one Native American, who become improbable friends, and are united in the goal to fix the misunderstanding between their peoples.

A mysterious treaty is "discovered" that calls for the sale of Native American property to the whites.  The borders of the land to change hands is to be decided by a day-and-a-half walk, but it turns into a long-distance race instead, vastly expanding the area of the proposed purchase.  The Native Americans are incensed by this fraud.

The boys, Combush and Matt Scull, are both involved in helping to mark the new boundaries, but soon discover that the white men are not playing fair. Together the boys plot to straighten out this deception and preserve the fragile peace between their peoples.  There are those on both sides who want to settle the dispute with war, and some of the Native Americans begin attacks on the settlers that eventually lead to the French and Indian War.

The courts ruled that even though the Walking Purchase was the result of fraud, the settlers had the legal right to take the Lenape land, and the Supreme Court refused to review the case. This book  belongs in every school library.  It would be an excellent supplement in history classrooms to help understand the origin of some of the events that played such a large part in white/Native American relations, and certainly boost the interest level for students.

The characters are compelling and the plot exciting, with fast action and escalating suspense. It is very entertaining and really makes history come alive.