Pioneer Summer

Pioneer summer is a good book becouse it's very exciting. And, when you finish the book,the next book starts right on the next day! That way, you don't wonder what is happening between the two books. I loved it!

Pionner Summer is a "ready-for-chapters" book that really has it all. Pioneer Summer deals with emotional issues that children, regardless of the historical era, have in common. Eight-year-old Charlie is leaving his home and friends and making his way to a new home. At one time or another almost all children have dealt with a difficult transition period. Also, Charlie is dealing with the process of developing his personal belief system. His parents are committed abolitionists. Charlie must decide if he feels as strong about the issue of slavery. The other reason Pioneer Summer is an excellent book for the "ready-for-chapters" student is because the story brings to life an time in history that is rarely given adequate attention in history books. Pre-Civil War history often gets short exhanged in order to dedicate more textbook space to Westward Expansion and the battles of the Civil War. Pioneer Summer is a real story about the real people who settled the Kansas territory in hopes of influencing the vote on the issue of slavery. One last reason to love Pioneer Summer--it leaves many unanswered questions about Charlie and the Keller family that can only be answered by reading Cabin in the Snow and Our Kansas Home. It is a great way to introduce sequels to young readers. It left me wanting more and I teach history!!

My 8-year-old son Sam is more of a non-fiction kind of guy--interested more in facts than in stories. But this one held his interest beautifully. It was a great history lesson for him and a great review for Mom and Dad! And, it was not too hard to read nor too easy, but just right. We got our first copy at the library, but I'll soon be purchasing all three in the series.

My son loves the Prairie Skies series and can't wait for OUR KANSAS HOME. It's a warm family story but full of rich historical details that never overwhelm the plot. My son is in fifth grade but is a reluctant reader, so I'm always on the lookout for books that hold his interest but that aren't too babyish. Highly recommended!

As a teacher and as a parent I've often been frustrated as I try to help my kids study for history tests about the pre-Civil War era. They have to learn about the Kansas-Nebraska Act, but it's just another date to memorize. But in Hopkinson's new chapter book, kids get a look at what life might have been like then. The note says she used letters and manuscripts to research the time period, and it shows. Even though the book is geared for third graders, my fifth grade classroom has enjoyed it too. Highly recommended!