Miller, Bobbi. Big River’s Daughter.

Miller, Bobbi.  Big River’s Daughter.  Holiday House  2013  200p  ISBN 978-0-8234-2752-9    ms  Hardback  VG-BN  Historical fiction    

Starting with an earthquake that actually occurred in the Mississippi Valley in 1811, Bobbi Miller creates a delightful young heroine in River Fillian.  As a preteen she is just beginning to understand her father’s role as King of the River, when he is taken from her in the earthquake.  Immediately she is chased by more than one group who think she holds some secret information about a treasure.  She interacts with both fictional and historical characters, including the pirate Jean Lafitte.  Keeping her wits about her in the rough-and-tumble world along the Mississippi River, she comes across as able to quite accurately judge the character of a person.

There is lots of action and adventure in this novel.  Some students may have a bit of trouble reading the written dialect spoken by some of the characters.  It becomes easier as the reader proceeds.  Middle-school readers will find this an enjoyable, action-packed read.           

Summary: This novel is a blend of historical events and characters and fabulous fictional characters.  River Fillian must make her own way on the Mississippi River in 1811.  Adventure and humor with a spunky heroine.  Middle school, grades 5-8.

Mississippi River-1811-Fiction                                    --Joan Theal