Jonreed Lauritzen

Published in 1961, The Legend of Billy Bluesage was a book for young adults that was a choice of the Young America Book Club. I read it as a teen (though I'd forgotten it), and reread it for this review.

Set in the Southwest frontier in the mid-1800s, it tells of a band of Spanish settlers who are journeying through dangerous "Indian country" on their way from Santa Fe to California. Billy Bluesage is the legendary, pale-haired rider who lives and travels alone in the wild country. Having been captured as a boy from a party of Spanish travelers, Billy had been raised by Utes. He has been known to warn travelers of ambushes by local Indian tribes. On this journey, the young boy Ciro is eager to catch a glimpse of the mysterious horseman during their journey.

The tale has plenty of "Old West" flavor, with horses, Indians, adventure, and intrigue. Ciro not only sees Billy Bluesage, but is rescued by him more than once. There's a bit more violence than I might have expected of a 1960s- era story for teens, but I think it's nothing that most young readers can't handle. There's also a coming-of-age element, as young Ciro finds the courage to strike out on his own, and ultimately, to help protect his fellow- travelers from danger. Not being a conventional story at all, this remains an interesting adventure story for young readers. However, without a single review at LT or elsewhere online, the book apparently has fallen into an undeserved obscurity.… (mer)