Death’s Door, the dangerous strait linking Lake Michigan and Green Bay, is the protagonist and tells its story in first-person verse in this recent publication from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Innovatively told by Wisconsin author Barbara Joose, these verses/stories share information about five historical events that took place in the strait, also known as Porte des Morts, between the 17th and 20th centuries.
In the first story readers (the book is aimed at children aged 8-11) are introduced to the lake creature, Mishepeshu, so-named by the Potawotami who live on Washington Island. In this tale, Mishepeshu lies in wait for its rivals, the Thunderers, which are spirits that reside in powerful rain clouds in the western sky. Death’s Door mournfully recalls the perils of war between Mishepeshu and the Thunderers, as well as the tragedy that befell Potawotami traders on their days-long water journey to sell goods to French traders. Death’s Door witnesses other tragedies, including a 20th century catastrophe in which a high school basketball coach and five players from Washington County perish while crossing the frozen strait. Death’s Door recalls its own role in the devastating event and beseeches readers to
Listen! – This is the sound of the island crying – the people and trees and the beasts – all mourning for the friends they lost.
The strait, our protagonist here, is acutely aware of its own power and strength—of its own majesty and might—and shares heroic tales, such as that of Henry Miller, who, in 1856, delivered the mail in a sled across the ice from Green Bay to Washington Island and back, as well as the story of a courageous couple, Sarah and David Clow, who built the largest sailing vessel in the country in 1862. In addition to the tragedies and heroics witnessed by Death’s Door, readers also learn about René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the French explorer and businessman whose greed was responsible for the loss of his vessel, Le Griffon, 12,000 pounds of furs, and five underpaid and overworked crew members.
The book’s design resembles that of a graphic novel, and Renée Graef’s illustrations match the spirit of the protagonist’s voice and remarkable tales. Cool hues of gray, blue, and white churn throughout the pages, and warm tones are carefully reserved for chapter headings and spare highlights in each section. Ideal for depicting sky, wind, lake water, and snow, the cool hues capture the sense of a very specific place, its intrigue, and power. An author’s note about the highlighted events, a list of recommended places to visit, and a selected bibliography are included for readers who want to learn more about Death’s Door. Aquaphiles and landlubbers of all ages will be fascinated by this ingenious creation about one of Wisconsin’s most dangerous—and storied—places.
