Going West Book Reviews

American West Book Reviews by Birchwood's Fifth Graders

Page 3

Title: Night of the Full Moon	Author: Gloria Whelan
F/ Whe	A girl named Libby had an Indian friend, Fawn. People from the government didn’t like Indians in their territory. They attacked the Pawatoni Indians and tried to remove them from their land. Libby was captured during the fighting . Libby was mistaken for an Indian. She tried to prove to the soldiers that she was not an Indian. The army wagon loaded with Indians brought her far away.WHAT will become Libby?
Opinion ;This book is so amazing I like this book because it’s really cool. It’s an adventure book.I will give a 9+++	Reviewed by Jade 5/23/08

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Title - Prairie Songs

Author -Pam Conrad

F/ Con

Summary -

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Title - Ready, Aim, Fire!: The Real Adventures of Annie Oakley	Author -Ellen Levine
921/ Oakley	Summary -Ready, Aim, Fire! is a fantastic biography that shoots through your brain and turns it upside down. It will take you back in time, and will paint a picture in your mind of the 1800's. It will teach you that you can do anything if you try. It will tell you about the fantastic life of ANNIE OAKLEY in great detail.
Opinion -I rate this book a 10 +++++++ because I was interested in Annie Oakley. It says you can do anything.	By: Betty Date: June 2003

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Title - Riding Freedom	Author -Pam Munoz Ryan
F/ Rya	Summary -Charlotte Parkhurst sure was a tomboy. She loved climbing trees and working at a stable. Charlotte was the only girl at an all boys orphanage in New Hampshire because her parents had died in a horse-drawn wagon crash. When Charlotte had been living at the orphanage for ten years, her best friend, Hayward, gets adopted and her favorite horse died. So brave Charlotte runs away from the orphanage and leaves for another town. But what will she do when she finds a place to stay? Who would give a girl a job? Well, Charlotte has a trick up her sleeve and almost no one figured it out!
Opinion - I rate this book a 10+! I liked it because itwas very surprising and adventurous. I think kids who like horses and adventures will love this book!	By: Sarah June 2005

Another opinion - Opinion - I think people who like horses should read this book.
By Samantha, June 2001

Another opinion - I give this book a 10+. It had alot of adventures, nerve recking, and sad parts. This book had everything. By: Megan Date:6-10-02

Another opinion - I rate this book a 10++++, because if you love horses and love adventure like I do, then you'll truly love this book. By Maddie, May 2008.

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San Domingo: Medicine Hat Stallion	Marguerite Henry
F/Hen	Peter Lundy is an ordinary boy who lives with his mother, horrible father, his baby sister Aileen, and his eccentric grandmother. Then all of this changes when he gets San Domingo, a beautiful stallion with marking like a war bonnet and shield, from a man for a trade. Peter and San Domingo are inseparable until one day San Domingo was gone. Peter's father, Jethro Lundy owned a trading post and he had traded Peter's sacred horse of the Sioux for an old sturdy mare. Peter was furious that his San Domingo was being used as a toy - a riding horse for three young girls. Missing his horse and wanting to kill his father, Peter joined the Pony Express. Then Peter only had one wish - to ride his dear San Domingo. Did Peter's wish ever come true?
Opinion - I rate this book a 9 (1-10) because it was a great book but it had kind of a slow start. San Domingo is a great book.	By: Alicia Date:June 13, 2001

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Title - Sarah, Plain and Tall	Author - Patricia MacLachlan
F/ Mac	Summary -This story takes place in the late 1800's. A man has two children named Caleb and Anna and no wife. So, he puts an ad in the paper and a woman named Sarah comes from the east. However, she really misses her old home by the sea. She really wants to go back home to see her family. She starts to like the children and their father. But it is not the same. Will she ever learn to like it in Oregon? Does she like living on a farm? Will she stay or go home? Does she want to stay? Is she happy? You will have to read the book to find out!
Opinion - I thought it was a very good book.	By: Meaghan Date: June 2001

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Save Queen of Sheba	Author - Louise Moeri
F/Moe	Summary - A massacre ocurs on their wagon train and only King David and his little sister who he calls Queen of Sheba are alive. They do not know where they are going or where they are. They both have many fears of traveling alone on the Oregon Trail. Will King David and Queen of Sheba stay alive? If they do will they ever find their parents?
Opinion - I would rate this book a 9 because most of the book was full of action and very interesting. Overall I really liked this book.	By: Kyle Date:June 4, 2003

Another opinion - Best book I've ever read Rating - 10 +...
By: Jessica Date: June 8, 2001

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Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark

Author - Gail Lagner Karwoski

F/ Kar

Summary - Seaman,a Newfoundland dog, was a natural swimmer. When Meriwether Lewis saw him he knew he would be the perfect dog. Lewis wanted to bring Seaman on an expedition, the Lewis and Clark Expedition! As they journey through the western wilderness, Seaman shows just how brave and loyal a dog can be. He even chases grizzlies and a buffalo away. Seaman is the perfect model of dogs,and their loyalty and bravery. But when one of the crew members decides to go back out west, Lewis realizes where Seaman belongs. What will Lewis decide?

Another Summary - A dog, 30 men, and an ocean...Come with Seaman as he chases away a spooked buffalo, sniffs out Indians and travels with Lewis and Clark.
This is a thrilling book with a surprise around every corner. I would highly recommend it to dog lovers, history lovers, and adventure lovers. - Ethan 6/13/08

Opinion - I rate this book a 10+ because Gail Lagner Karwoski captures the feelings that pass between humans and dogs. Seaman is the perfect example of the extent of a dogs loyalty.

By: Judy
Date:June 4, 2003

Another opinion - I would rate this book a 10. I thought it was a great book. I would suggest this book to people who like books with adventure and a lot of action. I hope whoever reads Seaman likes it as much as I did.
By Chelsea, May 2005

Another opinion - My opinion on this is a 9.5 on a scale from 1 - 10. It is a book that boys would like. By Ethan 6/13/08

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Shooting Star: A Novel About Annie Oakley	Author - Sheila Solomon Klass
F/ Kla	Summary - The book, A Shooting Star is a novel about Annie Oakley. The book is about a girl whose Father dies and is left with her mother and many siblings. Then her older sister dies. Mama is low on money. Very low. Annie tries shooting Pa's gun and makes a GREAT shot. Mama does not approve. Her mother decides to send Annie away to the Poor House, a place for kids that have no home. She meets a girl named Sally and they become best friends. She also meets the bully, Emmeline Sue. Later she gets sent to a house to help with a baby and the family beats her and is not nice. She runs away and goes on a train with a family then takes a wagon with a mail carrier. She finds out that the mail carrier is her new Pa. Annie tries shooting Pa's gun again and makes great shots. That becomes her new hobby and shoots for food for the family. Annie lived a hard life yet made the best of it. She couldn't wait to get married though. Will Annie ever get married and find the man for her? Read this book to find out.
Opinion - I enjoyed this book a lot. It was interesting and kept my attention throughout the whole book. My rating for this book would be a 9 because the beginning wasn't the best. The middle and ending were GREAT! I would recommend this book to others. I am not a biography person and I thought it was very good so others will probably enjoy too.	By: Lauren Date: June 7, 2002

Another opinion - (1-horrible, 10-excellent) I rate this book a 9. I loved everything that happened. Some parts were a little bit slow going but otherwise it was a great book with lots and lots of adventure. I recommend this book to people who like adventure. By Jenna, June 2003

Another opinion - I give this book a 10++++++++++. I LOVED this book. It was amazing. It kept me page turning. By the time I was done with the book, my fingers cramped. I was thrilled I had the chance to read this book. - Danielle - 6/5/08

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Title: Stick & Whittle

Author: Sid Hite

F/Hit

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Sweetgrass

Jan Hudson

F/ Hud
Sweetgrass Review

This story is about a Blackfoot Indian girl and her journey into womanhood. It's a great book to read if you want to learn about the lifestyles and customs of the Blackfoot Indians. For example, it tells about the Sun Dance, a traditional Blackfoot ceremony, and how the Blackfoot Indians do not eat fish. Since she's already almost sixteen, she should be married soon. Are her father and Almost-Mother ready to let her go? And if she does get married, will she marry Eagle Sun, her crush and old playmate? Who will her best friend, Pretty-Girl marry? And, when small pox comes her villages way, will she and her family survive? If you like reading about Native Americans and their customs, this is the book for you!

Opinion/Rating: I would rate this book a 10+ because it is a well- described story with lots of details and it was one of those books that you couldn't wait to finish.

By: Brenna

Date: June 2002

Another opinion - I rate Sweetgrass a 10++++++ etc. because of the tension in the beginning that you'll HAVE to read to the very last page. BY: Joanne Date: June 2001

Another opinion - I think this book is one of the best books I have ever read! On a scale from 1 to 10 I would give it a 10++ By: Stephanie Date:June 11, 2001

Another opinion - I really liked this book. If you like adventures this is the book for you. I rate this book a 9. By McKenna, June 2002

I rated this book a 10+ because it was a great book with loads of details. In each chapter theres' a new problem that she needs to take care of. That is what makes this book a 10+
By Shannon, June 2003

I liked the book Sweetgrass, but I wouldn't have read it if I wasn't assigned to read a Going West book. I like action books so I rated this book a 7 out of 10. By Katie, May 2005

Another opinion - I thought Sweetgrass was an amazing book that I would recommend to other people. I would give this book a 10+++++! By Megan, May 2008

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Title - Truth is a Bright Star

Author - Joan Price

F/Pri

Summary -

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Title: Tucket's Gold

Author: Gary Paulsen

F/Pau

Summary:Francis Tucket is a boy who is running away from the Comancheros who are a bunch of mean, tough outlaws who were trying to kill Francis and hs adopted family consisting of Billy and Lottie. The Comancheros caught him once, but with the help of his friend, Grimes, he was able to escape. When they were running away from the Comancheros, they found a treasure and through helping each other and using teamwork, they were able to keep the treasue and they became very, very rich. After they became rich, they set out west to try to find Francis's parents who were going on the Oregon Trail. Francis headed for Portland, going through many obstacles.

Does Tucket ever make it to Portland? Does he ever end up finding his parents.? Read Tucket's Gold to find out.

Opinion/Rating: I thought that Tucket's Gold was a good book. I would rate it an eight because I got hooked to see if he'd find his parents.

By Jonathan
June 2006

Another opinion -I would give this book a 10+++ because the author descrives very clearly that survival can be hard, but in the end, you just might be successful! By Kumar, June 2008

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Title: Tucket's Ride

Author: Gary Paulsen

F/Pau

Summary: Tucket’s Ride is about a boy named Francis Tucket who is captured by ruthless outlaws. The outlaws are taking Tucket, Lottie, and Billy ( the children from the family he got adopted by) away from the trail west, and away from any civilization and any chance of rescue. Now Tucket has to get himself away from the band of ruthless outlaws before it’s too late. Read the book to find out if Tucket will succeed or not.

Opinion/Rating: I think Tucket’s Ride is a good book to read. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate it a 6. Its’ a good book to read if you like books that are before, after, or during the time of wars.

By Monil
May 2005

Another opinion - I rate this book a 10 of 10 because it has a great plot and well thought out chapters. It also has good supporting details in its paragraphs. By Jeremy W., June 2003

Another opinion - I rate this book an 8. It's grabbing in the beginning and holds you throught he whole story, but a longer story would be good. John L. 6/06

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Title: Twelve Travelers Twenty Horses	Author: Harriette Robinet
	On the eve of the 1860 presidential election, Jacob Israel Christmas stands for sale at the third slave auction of his life. At thirteen, he has been separated from his mother for three years, has run away, and then been captured, all the while wondering, When will I be free? If Abraham Lincoln is elected, Jacob knows there's a chance for freedom; if not, slavery could spread west, all the way to California. When a rich, young prospector named Honorable Mister Clarence Higgenboom buys ten slaves -- reuniting Jacob with his mother and friends -- Jacob can't believe his luck. But when Jacob suspects the Honorable Mister of being a dishonorable murderer and thief, who plans to rob a stagecoach carrying Pony Express wages, Jacob knows he must stop him! Without wages, the Pony Express will refuse to ride. . . and they've got the important job of carrying the election results to California.
Opinion/Rating: I really enjoyed this book.	Mrs. Disque 6/03

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Title: Wagon Train 911

Author: Jamie Gilson

This book is set in modern times. The kids in a sixth grade class have to earn points to get to Oregon in a role playing activity. They also have to roll a die to get past storms.
In Wagon Train 911 Dina has to get along with alot of people she hates. She also has to be married to the class dork, Orin Philpot. On Dina's trip with her wagon party, her train runs into lots of problems as the wagons get closer to Oregon. Dina has a baby. As they go on the train loses tons of points. They're down 61 points when they get to the mountains. Will they roll a six and not cross the mountains or will they get to Oregon? Read the book to find out.

Opinion/Rating: I think this book was excellent and adventurous. it was one of the best books I ever read. I would probably rate this book a 9 on a scale of 1-10

By: Mike

Date: 6-7-02

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Weasel

Cynthia DeFelice

Summary -Nathan and his sister were left alone while their pa went out, but he hadn't come home after five days. A strange man that they didn't know took them to their pa. Everything was fine, but then Weasel came into their lives. He haunted Nathan in his sleep. The blood thirsty man hated Indians and anyone who liked them. Pa wants to just forget about Weasel. Nathan feels differently about this, but what could he do? Then pa tells Nathan and Molly something hard to believe. The strange man has been in their lives longer than they thought, but how? What will happen to Weasel is the big question.

I would rate this book a ten for all its tension. It makes people want to read longer. I wish there could be a sequel.

By: Dana

Date: May 2002

Another opinion - I thought Weasel was a great book. If you like suspenseful books and you want to know what happens next , Weasel is right for you. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate this book a 10.
By: Eric Date: June 2001

Another opinion - I think this book is an adventurous, exciting and wonderful book that grabs you and takes you on a thrilling journey. Just read this book and you will be scared, sad, and happy all at the same time. I give this book a definite 10. By: Leanna Date: May 2001

Another opinion - Weasel was a spectacular book. It was very descriptive. Weasel was very interesting. Once I started it I couldn't put the it down. This book was sad but thrilling. Weasel was a fantastic book! I would rate it a 10++++ By: Barbara Date: June 2003

Another opinion - On a scale of 0ne to ten, I would rate Weasel a 9. I think it was really good. If you like scary stories, I would read it. I would recommend the book to almost anyone. By Dominic, May 2005

Another opinion - I think this is the best book I have read because it has lots of action. My favorite character is Nathan. Nathan is one of the main characters. By Nick, May 2008

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Title: American Sisters: West Along The Wagon Road 1852

Author: Laurie Lawlor

In spring of 1852 a girl named Harriet Louise Scott and her family traveled west. Her family would all call her Duck. In the beginning her mother died leaving 8 children with her father. After the death of her mother he wasn't cheerful and was in his own little world.

On the Oregon trail they faced bad terrain. Her sister Chat and her brother Wilkie were very ill. Duck always thought she would never do anything remarkable in her life. She kept on trying anytime something wrong happened. Her sisters were always being mean to her.

At the end of the book her sisters go ahead of her father's wagons to get out of the dust. They didn't stop and it turned dark. Harriet wanted to look for them but her father said no. She went ahead instead. She was looking for them in a woods where it was dark and there were thieves all over. Did she find the 2 girls and are they all right? Read this exciting story to find out what happens.

Opinion -It was a great book and I rate it a 10+

By: Emily
Date: June 1, 2001

Another opinion - I would rate this book a 10++++ because it started off good and stayed interesting throughout the whole book. By Stephanie M., June 2003

Another opinion - I would rate this book a 10+++++. It was really good. Even in the beginning it was a great book. It didn't start out slow or too fast. It was just right for a good book. And, it was great all the way through. By Jenna, June 2008

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West to a Land of Plenty	Jim Murphy
F/Dea	Summary - Teresa is sad about moving West. Then her sister finds out that she has a secret and that she would tell their mother if Teresa didn't let her write in her diary.
If you like diary format or Realistic Fiction, you will like this book. I rate it a 10 because it was really good.	By: Jackie D. Date: May 2001

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