The Sign of the Beaver

Our rating: ****

After they finish their cabin in Maine, Matt’s father starts back for Massachusetts, leaving twelve year old Matt behind to guard the cabin. Matt has fun living by himself, until he tackles a nest of bees. An old Indian chief and his grandson Attean have been watching him and decide to help Matt out. In return, Matt agrees to teach Attean to read and speak English. The two boys resent the forced friendship at first, but end up doing everything together. What will Matt do when his father returns?

Well, this is a great book. I gave it four stars, because it’s a bit slow at the start, but it picks up later. You will learn a lot of interesting things about Pioneers and Indians. There was a TV movie of this book called Keeping the Promise, but I haven’t seen it.

Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West

Our rating: ****

In this true story, Annie Bronn, also known as “Wild Horse Annie,” feels she belongs with mustangs. She faces sickness and other problems but finally comes to a new ranch, where she grows up. After marrying, life is wonderful—until she is faced with a sight that will change her life forever. She risks her life again and again to save the mustangs that the cruel mustangers are heartlessly slaughtering. Her endeavor actually brings her to the White House, but will Annie be able to save the wild horses before they are destroyed forever?

I enjoyed reading this book! Mustangs… Adventures… Despairs… etc. Be careful, you might not want to put it down!

San Domingo, The Medicine Hat Stallion

Our rating: ****

Peter Lundy has a very special horse! Not only can San Domingo outrun tornadoes, but he’s also what Indians call a Medicine Hat. Nobody can harm his rider. Peter only realizes this when a surveying Irishman befriends him. But then Peter’s father trades San Domingo for a Thoroughbred. Peter is so heartbroken that he joins the Pony Express.

This is one of my favorite books. I like it because of the way the characters are described. I especially like Brisley, the Irishman because he’s always happy and singing.

Little House on the Prairie

Our rating: ****

Laura, Mary, and their Pa and Ma have left the house in the Big Woods. They have to travel for miles until they get to Indian Territory. There, Pa has to build a house out of logs. This is the story of the exciting adventures the Ingalls family has along the way.

This whole series is good to read. People acted a lot differently in the 1800s. It’s very interesting to see what they did different, what they thought was good manners, and what they thought meant you were rich. I took off a star because small portions are a tad slow, but it’s well worth reading.

Kentucky Frontiersmen

Our rating: ****

This book takes place in 1700’s Kentucky, which is called “Kain-tuck-ee” by characters in the book. Henry and those who live at the settlement of Wareville need to clear the land to plant fields. But they need food while their crops are growing. There are plenty of animals to hunt so they hunt for food. After three years, Shawnee Indians attack the settlement. The settlers drive off the Indians and decide to follow them to continue the battle.

I liked this book because I like books with adventure in them. I enjoyed the whole book a lot. It even has a sequel called The Riflemen of the Ohio.