Young, Judy. A Book For Black-Eyed Susan

Young, Judy.   A Book For Black-Eyed Susan          

Sleeping Bear Press(Cengage)        2011   unp 16.95  978-1-58536-463-3            

elem    Historical                    E-BNe 

While traveling on the

Oregon Trail, a young girl makes a cloth first book for her baby sister so she

will always remember the trip and the sister who loves her.      Cora's mother

dies as her baby sister is born.  Cora helps name her Susan after her mother╒s

favorite flower - black-eyed Susans.  Her aunt cares for the baby and to pass

the time, Cora sews patches to help Susan remember the home they left, the

travel across the prairie and her family.  When she learns that Susan will go to

California with the aunt and uncle while she and her father go to Oregon, Cora

sews the patches together to make a cloth first book for Susan.  A surprise

ending completes the story full circle.

   The illustrations are in gorgeous water color.  They fit the mood and

beautifully enhance the text.  The colors are bright yet soft befitting the mood

of the story.

   This historical fiction depicts the hardships along the Trail as well as the

sense of loss and separation experienced by most travelers.  The events could

very easily have happened to any family.  They definitely ring true to the

historical period.

  An excellent book for elementary schools and can also be used in middle school

in connection with a study of the Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion.      

            Theal, Joan