Prairie Skies: Pioneer Summer

Rating:
Summary: Exciting historical fiction!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: This book makes history interesting for the young reader!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Great chapter book series!
Review: 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!