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.