The Depression has ruined Henry Dafoe's life: his father has left the family farm to look for work, his mother is sick and now she's decided to send Henry to Nova Scotia to work on his uncle's fishboat. But Henry has other ideas. He runs away from home to join his father, which proves more difficult than he imagined. Alone and scared in a strange city, he befriends an old hobo named Clickety Clack, who agrees to take him to find his father. As they make their way across the country, Clickety Clack teaches Henry about the secret signs that hoboes use to communicate with each other.
"Canadian history and geography spring to life in this charming tale of a boy seeking his fame and fortune in the wide world...driven by crisp dialogue and suspenseful situations. Recommended."
– CM Magazine
"Young readers...will be treated to a good adventure story and a bit of history as well....Highly recommended."
– Canadian Book Review Annual
Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award | 2007 | Short-listed
Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice | 2007 | Commended
Download the Secret Signs Teacher Guide.
