by Mary Buff
First published 1974
Walter Tell stands motionless as his father William prepares for the most dangerous shot of his life. The eleven-year-old boy must trust completely in his father's aim as William draws back his bow, an apple balanced on Walter's head. This moment will test more than William's archery skills. As a Swiss freedom fighter, William Tell has already defied the Austrian authorities who control their homeland. Now his son shares the risk. The apple represents everything at stake for their family and their people's struggle for independence. Walter feels the weight of his father's reputation and the eyes of everyone watching. One steady hand and one true arrow will determine whether this day ends in triumph or tragedy. The story captures a boy's courage in the face of impossible odds and a father's love measured by the steadiness of his aim.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: father-son-bond, impossible-odds
Setting: Switzerland
Period: 19th-century
Library Binding · Houghton Mifflin Harcourt