Women of the Frontier [hc]
16 Tales of Trailblazing Homesteaders, Entrepreneurs, and Rabble-Rousers
Part of the Women of Action series
By Brandon Marie Miller [Ohio]
Using journal entries, letters home, and song lyrics, fifteen women of the West speak for themselves in these tales of courage, enduring spirit, and adventure. Women such as Amelia Stewart Knight traveling on the Oregon Trail, homesteader Miriam Colt, entrepreneur Clara Brown, army wife Frances Grummond, actress Adah Isaacs Menken, naturalist Martha Maxwell, missionary Narcissa Whitman, and political activist Mary Lease are introduced to readers through their harrowing stories of journeying across the plains and mountains to unknown land. Recounting the impact pioneers had on those who were already living in the region as well as how they adapted to their new lives and the rugged, often dangerous landscape, this exploration also offers resources for further study and reveals how these influential women tamed the Wild West. 256 pages
"The stories strike a nice balance, profiling many different types of experiences. Each chapter begins with a broad overview of the topic and then narrows down with compelling tales of individuals... A thoughtful and attractive presentation of a complex and intriguing topic." -Kirkus Reviews (Ages 12+)
"Those interested in Western and women's history will enjoy these detailed accounts of exploration, entrepreneurship, hardship, heartache, sacrifice, and survival." -School Library Journal (Grade 10+)
2014 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
February 1, 2013
AR Level=8.3; Lexile Level=1160
