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andrea12345's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hannieb's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
mbrasseur19's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Cute coming of age, American pioneer family story, like a slightly more grown-up Little House. However, huge trigger warning for stereotypes of native Americans and white savior plot points. And despite Caddie be a strong young female main character, traditional gender roles are upheld in many ways typical of the time period.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
alisonhp's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I loved reading this to my kids and seeing them enjoy it as much as I did as a child. It was a good staring place for discussions of how people of European ancestry and indigenous people interacted with and viewed each other during that period, as well as the way settlers used language to describe the native people. They were riveted by the stories — laughing, excited and concerned at different parts (probably more engaged than with Little House, which is similar in many ways).
repunzee's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
This Newbery Award winner tells the story of Caddie Woodlawn, age about 12, in 1864 Wisconsin, growing up on a farm with her six brothers and sisters, and her two parents.
Brink based the novel (and a sequel) on the stories her grandmother told about living in Western Wisconsin during the time of the Civil War. The family is tight-knit and the children have many adventures, including exploring the river and woods near their homestead, and visiting the local tribe of Native Americans (“Indian John” being a particular friend). Caddie is a courageous, intelligent and resourceful girl, but she IS a child and sometimes the pranks and adventures she engages in go awry leading to some real dangers. She is a bit of a tom boy, spending more time with her brothers than with an older sister or her mother, but she is faced with the inevitability of “growing up” and becoming more ladylike.
The story reminds me a bit of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ “Little House” books, and that is definitely a good comparison. The book was originally published in 1935 and the way the Native Americans are portrayed is indicative of the times when it was written. But don’t let that dissuade you; it should open the door for good discussion with your children. Definitely a book worth adding to your children’s library.
Brink based the novel (and a sequel) on the stories her grandmother told about living in Western Wisconsin during the time of the Civil War. The family is tight-knit and the children have many adventures, including exploring the river and woods near their homestead, and visiting the local tribe of Native Americans (“Indian John” being a particular friend). Caddie is a courageous, intelligent and resourceful girl, but she IS a child and sometimes the pranks and adventures she engages in go awry leading to some real dangers. She is a bit of a tom boy, spending more time with her brothers than with an older sister or her mother, but she is faced with the inevitability of “growing up” and becoming more ladylike.
The story reminds me a bit of Laura Ingalls Wilders’ “Little House” books, and that is definitely a good comparison. The book was originally published in 1935 and the way the Native Americans are portrayed is indicative of the times when it was written. But don’t let that dissuade you; it should open the door for good discussion with your children. Definitely a book worth adding to your children’s library.
jessielucy02's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the_herbal_carnivore's review against another edition
4.0
This was our audio family-read-aloud and all of us enjoyed it. The children said they enjoyed everything about it while there were a few cringe moments for me. It had them laughing and thinking!
Despite the few cringey moments it was overall a wonderful story full of several opportunities to talk about important things with my children.
I myself was touched by Mr. Woodlawn's little talk when Caddie was in trouble - SO sweet! and quite pleased when he dealt with the brothers haha
And while yes, a work of fiction, I love how it was based off of stories from the author's grandma's life - historical fiction is definitely a favourite in our home!
Despite the few cringey moments it was overall a wonderful story full of several opportunities to talk about important things with my children.
I myself was touched by Mr. Woodlawn's little talk when Caddie was in trouble - SO sweet! and quite pleased when he dealt with the brothers haha
And while yes, a work of fiction, I love how it was based off of stories from the author's grandma's life - historical fiction is definitely a favourite in our home!