Product Description

In the late 1800s, Canada’s prairies were the destination for thousands of settlers. Among them were the Caswells, who made the long journey from a comfortable home in Ontario. Before fourteen-year-old Maryanne departs from her hometown of Palmerston in 1887, she promises to write to her grandmother about her journey to Clark’s Crossing, near the present day city of Saskatoon.

In these fascinating, true letters, Maryanne writes vividly about the fun of the train ride and the near impossible trek across muddy cart tracks with the family’s laden wagon. As the oldest, Maryanne helps with many of the back-breaking and never-ending chores in the fields and at the homestead. Tales of courage, adventure, loneliness, sorrow, and delight flow from Maryanne’s pen. This is a powerful testament from an astute and sensitive young girl.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2485127 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-14
• Released on: 2001-03-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 88 pages

From School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-These letters written by 14-year-old Caswell to her grandmother between April 12, 1887, and January 1, 1888, describe her family's journey west from Ontario in search of a new life as well as what it was like to settle on the Canadian prairies. The land and its animals, daily life, and hardships are vividly portrayed. Additionally, the letters exhibit feelings of sadness and fear of the unknown. Everyday life is discussed, including chores such as cheese making, binding of wheat into sheaves, and haying. Tragedies included deaths from illness and drowning. Events such as the fair and church services provided recreation for the settlers. Although much of the experience parallels that of American pioneers, there are some differences. Caswell's description of the Indians is one of interest rather than of fear or hatred. Soft black-and-white drawings depict some of the places, people, and animals described in the letters. "Dear America" (Scholastic) readers will enjoy this format.

Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review
??a tale of extraordinary hardship conquered through courage and humour. Maryanne?s voice is lively and immediate.?
?The Globe & Mail

?From Maryanne?s deeply detailed reports of her new experiences, readers get a fascinating glimpse into the reality of pioneer life.?
?CM Magazine

?Anyone who enjoys the Little House series will find this girl?s story just as courageous.?
?ABA Kids? Pick of the List

?The narrative is filled with fascinating practical details, such as the making of a sod house, or ?coffee? from left-over barley, that are reminiscent of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. But Caswell?s prose style is much more literary than Wilder?s, often attaining lyrical heights as she notes the beauty of prairie birds, flowers, and sunsets.?
?Quill & Quire

?An authentic view of life as it was lived over a century ago on the prairies.?
?Monterey County Family
-- Review

Review
“…a tale of extraordinary hardship conquered through courage and humour. Maryanne’s voice is lively and immediate.”
–The Globe & Mail

“From Maryanne’s deeply detailed reports of her new experiences, readers get a fascinating glimpse into the reality of pioneer life.”
–CM Magazine

“Anyone who enjoys the Little House series will find this girl’s story just as courageous.”
–ABA Kids’ Pick of the List

“The narrative is filled with fascinating practical details, such as the making of a sod house, or “coffee” from left-over barley, that are reminiscent of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. But Caswell’s prose style is much more literary than Wilder’s, often attaining lyrical heights as she notes the beauty of prairie birds, flowers, and sunsets.”
–Quill & Quire

“An authentic view of life as it was lived over a century ago on the prairies.”
–Monterey County Family