Grasshopper Summer

Grasshopper Summer by Ann Turner is about Sam, a boy, who was quite happy where he was in Kentucky. Then his father decided to move the family west to start a new life in Dakota Territory. Sam's younger brother Billy was excited about the idea, but Sam hated it. Sam never thought of leaving his grandparents, and friends. It was after the Civil War, and Sam's father was having a tough time without slaves so he decided to move his family to Dakota Territory. When Sam and his family had to move north his father wanted them to start getting used to not having slaves. Sam never thought of meeting people along the way. The family worked hard to make their dugout house. They worked through the weeks and gathered seed. Sam started to see things a little differently and started to like the west. This book is good for people who like to read about survival after the Civil War. Becca a 6th grader

This book really captures the feeling of the times when pioneers thought moving westward would make them a profit. It helps the reader understand the trials and tribulations of moving westward. The killing of a colt to the grasshopper invasion real grips the reader. The charactes being approximately the age of a fifth or sixth grader really helps youngsters who read this book to make a personal connection. It also helps the reader understand the role of the father, mother, and children during the late 1800s. Furthermore, it shows them although slavery has ended, how many still felt the African American still had his place. From crossing the mighty Mississippi River, to going to the Dakota Terriotory, this book truly captures the time and events of an interesting period in American history.

Sam's father decides to take the family to Dakota Terrotory for a new life.But Sam hates the idea of leaving his friends,grandparents for a new life.The hard journey to Dakota Terrotory doesn't compare to the surprises that await Sam and his family.