Dear America, Across the Wide and Lonesome Praire.

I loved this book so much; I just had to share it with you. 

Dear America, Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie by Kristina Gregory is about a girl named Hattie Campbell.  Hattie's family decides to move from Bonneville, Missouri to Oregon because as Hattie's father says, " We'll be able to start a new life, where there ain't no sad memories.  There's space out West, all the land we want.  Free for taking.  Winters are mild, that's what these pamphlets say."

Hattie is afraid of what this long journey will bring. Hattie's family travels through mountains, deserts, and plains.  The wagon trains have to throw out many of their valuables along the way.  Some are harder to get rid of than others.  Hattie finds out that a lady, named Mrs.Kenker, is stealing valuables from all the wagon trains.  Hattie doesn't know who to tell or what to do.  When she finds out more information about Mrs.Kenker; Hattie is more forgiving.

Hattie's family goes through a lot, but Hattie doesn't know if they'll make it or not.  Will Hattie's family make it to Oregon?  I recommend this book for 3rd - 5th graders.  I would give this book to people who like books that are written in journal form or enjoy historical fiction.

Kristina Gregory is a wonderful author who has written many books.   Kristina has written over 30 books for middle school readers.  Here are a few of them:  The Dear America series, My Darlin' Clementine, Jenny of Tetons and many more.  Check them out at your local library.

The Word Eater By Mary Amanto

"Worms are very sensitive creatures and right away, this little newborn sensed that he was different." excerpt from The Word Eater by Mary Amato.


I just read a very good book called, The Word Eater by Mary Amato. This book had me tied to my reading fort.

This book is about a sixth grade girl named Lerner. She is a new student and is having trouble making friends. Then one day, she finds a worm that eats words instead of dirt. He is Lerner's only friend. Lerner's life changes forever!  When Lerner's worm, Fib, eats words that thing vanishes from the world FOREVER!  


My favorite part of this book is the ending.  It didn't end the way I thought it would, instead the author whips it right into a surprising ending!  You'll have to read the book to find out what happens.


I loved this book.  I stayed up late trying to finish this book and I assure you that you will too!  I recommend this book for kids 7 years old and older.  I think you should read this book before Fib eats you.


P.S.  Mary Amato has written many other books including Invisible Lines and Please Write in This Book so look for them at your local library.  Check out Mary Amato's website at www.maryamato.com/books 

10 Things That You Need To Know About Me

I just turned ten, so that is why I am only telling you ten things you should know about me. Otherwise there would be a lot more; you wouldn't even be able to count them!

1. I am all about dance. I love dancing more than anything.
2. I am creative. I love to do lots of crafts and make different kinds of drawings.
3. I am funny. I could make anyone laugh in the whole world.
4. I am kind. I am kind to everyone, or at least I try to be kind to everyone.
5. I can dream bigger than anyone. One day I am in fairyland and the next day I am fighting trolls under water.
6. I'll eat anything. I am not a picky eater.
7. I love shoes. My closet is full of shoes.
8. I love strawberries, and not just because they are sweet like me.
9. My favorite sport is basketball. Ally-oop in the hoop!
10. Last, but not least, I am lovable. I could sit in my Grandma's lap FOREVER!

Best History Ever!

This year in history we are learning about the Oregon Trail.

This summer I was so lucky and actually got to go see the Oregon Trail ruts,

all the signatures on Register Cliff,

 and visited Fort Bridger.  

We are doing a simulation on the Oregon Trail.  We have to pick out a character that we want to be.  For example, you can be a hunter, banker, scout, farmer, blacksmith, or doctor.  I chose to be a hunter. Then you have to choose 3 other people to bring with you on the long journey to Oregon. I like this because you play a game while learning about all the exciting and interesting facts of the Oregon Trail.

My mom also is reading us a read aloud called Bound for Oregon by Jean Van Leeuwen.  It is about a girl who moves to Oregon with her family.  They have to leave her grandma behind, which makes her sad.  They go through hard and frustrating times on the trail.

Welcome to my blog!

This year in school, I have to read at least 40 books in a variety of different genres. After I read each book, I'll write a book review.  This book review is for the first book I have read this year.

I just finished reading Dear Dumb Diary, Am I the Princess or the Frog by Jim Benton. This book is about a girl named Jamie who is in middle school and she has a diary. Jamie has a crush on the new student teacher at school, and she thinks he loves her too. She can't wait to find out the truth.

In Dear Dumb Diary, Am I the Princess or the Frog there are some cool characters.  Jamie, the main character, wants to be cool like her best friend Isabella, who is all about being cool. Angeline is a pretty girl that Jamie does not like. Mr. Prince is the new student teacher that Jamie loves.

This book is set in a middle school. This setting works with the story because that is where all the outrageous and tragic stuff happens. My favorite part of this book is that the author really teaches a lesson at the end. This book is really entertaining all the way through!

What I like about this book is that it is a funny way to look at middle school. I loved every part of this book. I adore Jim Benton's Dear Dumb Diary series. I recommend this book to children eight and older. If you loved Diary of a Wimpy Kid you'll love Dear Dumb Diary!