African American Women of the Old West

I found the stories of the Black women pioneers in the old west very fascinating. I enjoyed each woman's story. The only thing I did not like about the book is the author's mild touch of paternalism; otherwise, I am glad the author brought the women before us. I thank you.

You know I am somewhat of a history buff in general and I have learned over the years that you have to learn not just Black or African American History separately, intertwined, that is how I manage to know the "I didn't know that stuff". This is one of those books that adds to my knowledge of that kind. Women, of all races get short changed in history, but this book brings to light some women who are part of the American Story. I love anything having to do with the Old West so that was just a bonus. This is a good book for any daughter who is maybe having some issues with finding that we are all a part of a story and that we are all valuable. The book has sections that are so interesting that you find yourself having to tear yourself away from them. As my title states, this was a book that I read in a day, as in it came and I opened the first page and couldn't put it down. I think that its a good historical book for anyone interested in this era in American History.

Tricia Martineau Wagner is a wonderfduil story teller (I have her "It Happened on the Underground Railroad"). Without straying from the facts, Ms. Martineau Wagner writes of her subjects almost as if she knew them, personally, or that they are still alive! She brings the reader into their mind and heart. You feel their toughness and iron will, as in the story of Mary Fields (aka "Stage Coach Mary"), the infinite tolerance and patience of Biddy Mason; and the resourcefulness and cleverness (the latter bordering on deceitfulness) of Mary Ellen Pleasant, in order to survive and maintain their dignity -- Mary Ellen Pleasant went on to become the richest African American woman in San Franisco during the 19th century. Those are but three of the well-told stories in this book. This book fits into the same category of Ms. Martineau-Wagner's other book that I read "It Happened on the Underground Railroad." It reads like fiction, and that's a compliment. Although the women Ms. Martineau-Wagner writes about continually confront racial indignities, and to some, slavery, the focus of their stories is on their strength of character and force of personality (particularly in the case of Mary Fields, who's on the cover) Martineau-Wagner's works, so far, are excellent reading for young adults who can read about history in a very enjoyable way, and in the process find good role models. . -- James A. McGowan, publisher, the harriettubmanjournal.com