A Fine Start

January 1, 2004
Gr 4-6-The Wells family must survive the harsh conditions of the prairie in this third volume in the series. Nine-year-old Meg's father was injured while fighting to make the Kansas Territory a free state and her uncle was captured and sent to prison. Meg still manages to live a somewhat typical childhood while helping with chores, making candles, and enduring cold weather and bouts of illness. Her life changes when the family moves to the town of Lawrence enabling the girl to attend school. Meg's voice is authentic and honest, relating her hardships and joys through brief diary entries. While the protagonist is aware of the political troubles that have touched her family and neighbors, she also has normal, everyday thoughts and dreams. A historical note explains the difficulties that plagued the Kansas Territory. Fans of the series will snatch up this installment.-Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

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