Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
ISBN: 978-1402281716
Published Sept 3, 2013
Paperback, 304 pages
Ages: 9-12
I was surprised by how much I liked
this book. I couldn't put it down. It's packed with Wild West action
and adventure and plenty of emotions. The story starts with a bang
and doesn't let up until the last page.
Caleb O'Toole is a twelve year old boy
who just lost his father to cholera. His mother is now dying from it
and a group of religious zealots are burning the houses where cholera
has struck to cast out the evil. On the night his younger sister
Tilly runs out in the street to look for their dog Tumble, Caleb goes
searching for her and witnesses the Blackstone brothers
coldheartedly killing some townsfolk. Another mysterious rider is
seen at the scene of the crime, but he escapes and becomes wanted for
these murders.
Before Caleb's mother dies that very
night she tells her children, Caleb, Tilly and their older sister
Julie to go to their aunt who has a ranch in the Bitteroot
mountains. The orphaned and grief-stricken children leave that very
night with their wagon and horse Dusty to begin a journey of three
and a half months over 1300 treacherous miles that will test their
wits, strength and courage. They experience a flash flood, Indian
raids, sickness, theft, injuries, kidnapping and intense fear as they
are pursued by the Blackstone brothers.
They also experience the kindness of
the Pawnee Indians and meet a cast of wonderful characters, some of
which are based on real life, such as Blue Hawk, and chiefs Sitting
Bull and Touch the Clouds. Caleb learns to ride a war horse and can
shoot while riding. The children build character and become adept at
survival skills. Caleb feels responsible for the well-being of his
sisters and in little time becomes the man of the family. Julie is
inspired by Dr. Sullivan and is soon helping to nurse others they
meet on the journey. Little Tilly is adorable and charming.
There is so much I loved about this
book. It's a story about an orphan trio of siblings who must learn to
survive on their own as they trek to find their aunt. They are good
kids who sacrifice much for each other and also for others. They are
proactive and face their fears. The author seemlessly includes many
historic events in the story that is full of suspense, heart-pounding
action and intense moments. I learned a lot about the Oregon Trail
and the Wild West.
This is a great well-written Western
book that keeps the reader engaged throughout. I rooted for the
O'Toole kids and wondered many times how they would get out of
certain situations. I also admired them for taking charge of their
lives after their parents died, and it made me think of all the
orphaned children out there. This is a beautiful story. I am Eric
Pierpoint's newest fan.
Note: This book is rated V = violence (moderate). The story doesn't gloss over what
life was like in the Wild West and includes scenes of violence such
as shooting, killing, gambling scuffles, hanging, and Indian battles but does not include gory details. Caleb
learns to use a gun to hunt and to protect his family. I began to
read the first few chapters of this book with my 9 year-old son and he found there was too much
death. The scene where the mother dies is heartbreaking. Some
sensitive children may find some scenes too intense.
Reviewed by Laura
Disclosure: Thanks to Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
Every Saturday, Booking Mama hosts a feature called Kid Konnection—a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, visit Booking Mama.
Post a Comment
Thank you for commenting! I appreciate your feedback.