| This is the fascinating story of Minnie, 13, Robert, 11, and Lizzie, 8, who after the loss of their parents in the flu epidemic of 1878 go to live with their abusive aunt and uncle, where they are starved and beaten. They escape to seek their other uncle in the Territory of New Mexico, but must cross several hundred miles of prairie and canyonland. They are beset by rustlers, rattlesnakes, floods, tornadoes and mudslides, but are helped by Indians and the US cavalry. The author drew much of this from his family history, and the tale of how the children face adversity and danger is inspiring. There is a fair amount of gunfighting and death as their selfish Uncle Nate tries to track them down, so it is recommended for older teens and adults. | ||
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Plot & Themes Time/era of story: Exploring into the wild Yes Plotlets: - surviving elements in wilderness Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book descript. of violence and chases - 30 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 10 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 20 % Main Character Gender - Male Age: - a kid Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - money/treasure How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting United States Yes The US: - Texas Prairie? Yes Farm/Ranch? Yes Farm/Ranch: - farm Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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