Ransom's Mark: A Story Based on the Life of the Pioneer Olive Oatman

Olive Oatman is thirteen years old in the fall of 1850 when her father decides the family will leave their Illinois farm and go west to California. Olive, her parents, and her six siblings join a wagon train west, but have trouble from the start. Their leader turns out to be unreliable, and changes their destination. The wagon train splits several times, until the Oatmans eventually end up on their own in dangerous Indian territory, because her father is unwilling to wait at the safety of a village for another wagon train to join. Olive fears the worst will happen, and she is right. Renegade Indians attack the Oatmans and massacre most of the family, sparing only Olive and her seven-year-old sister, Mary Ann, who they take captive. Olive struggles to keep up hope during her captivity and to adjust to her difficult new life, all the while trying her best to protect frail Mary Ann. This was an excellent historical novel for young readers that brought to life the true story of Olive Oatman. Readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those who have an interest in this time period or in Indian captive stories, are sure to enjoy this book.

This story is filled with details about pioneers, Indians, and the geography of the land and yet it doesn't overbalance the tale of young Olive. This is so well written the reader doesn't realize all the information the writer is pouring into her head. I was so caught up in the story that I found myself crying through the last pages. It is rare that I find a book I like so much. It is going on my gift list for all birthdays and holidays this upcoming year. I have lots of young friends to share this with.

The reading horizon just got brighter because Wendy Lawton has brought history to light again. In ?Ranson?s Mark? author Wendy Lawton adds to her ?Daughters of the Faith? Series by illuminating the life of Olive Oatman, pioneer of the 1850s.Olive Oatman at thirteen embodied the strength and perseverance needed for days of the Santa Fe Trail. Driven by elusive dreams, men left it all and placed families at the mercy of the elements as well as renegade Indian tribes just to gain gold and adventure. Olive Oatman was a member of one such family. ?Ransom?s Mark? is a vivid portrayal of poor choices and God?s ability to use whomever He chooses to redeem the consequences. Lawton?s writing is defined by careful research, strong story line, and vivid snapshots. The author complements her historical scenes with a glossary that further acquaints the reader with the vocabulary of the time. Olive Oatman?s legacy breathes again under the influence of Wendy Lawton?s pen.One cannot refuse this writing. Handing the reader a strong but rich cup of coffee, Lawton encourages you to linger for another long sip. Savor ?Ransom?s Mark,? another unforgettable drink from the cup of history and ?Daughters of the Faith? Series.

Wendy Lawton's ability to paint vivid pictures with words is a rare ability and this is Wendy's best example so far. I have read 3 of the 4 books written by Ms. Lawton. Ransom's Mark is easy to read and interesting. Wendy's writing keeps adults and children alike interested in the story. After reading this book I wanted to do more research into Olive Oatman's life. Like Wendy's other books this one paints a picture of herstory(women in history) not often covered in the classroom.

Title: RANSOM'S MARKAuthor: Wendy LawtonReviewer: Peggy PhiferPublisher: Moody PublishersISBN: 0-8024-3638-2 / [money amount]Genre: Children/Youth FictionWhen Olive Oatman's pa gets the urge to move west to California, he packs his family and belongings into a covered wagon and they leave their home in Fulton, Illinois. Olive is the third oldest child of six, with baby number seven due along the way. Olive and her brothers and sisters dream of the coming adventure and excitement. But there was no way they could have imagined what the journey would really be like on the Santa Fe Trail.Trouble begins early when the wagon-master starts to change the plans all had agreed on when they signed up. Eventually, the train splits in two, and Olive's wagon goes with a smaller group to continue on the Santa Fe Trail. Gradually, other wagons drop off at the towns along the way, until only the Oatman wagon is left to continue on. Then, a renegade band of Yavapai Indians attacks the lone wagon, and Olive and her little sister Mary Ann are captured. Olive and her sister are eventually ransomed from the Yavapai by the beautiful daughter of the chief of a Mohave tribe, but her life is still hard. Branded with a Mohave tattoo, Olive struggles to understand. How can this be a mark of God's love? This true story of Olive Oatman is one of the most inspiring stories of courage I've read in a long time. Wendy Lawton has treated this story with great discretion and sensitivity to make it readable for her target age-group of 8-12-year olds. Yet she has managed to bring out the stark reality of the dangers the westward pioneers faced.Like the other three books in this series, "Courage to Run" [Harriet Tubman], "The Tinker's Daughter" [Mary Bunyan, daughter of John Bunyan], and "Almost Home," [Mary Chilton, of the Mayflower], in "Ransom's Mark" Wendy Lawton has written another classic story of "Daughters of the Faith." I highly recommend these books.Peggy Phifer ©2003