Kathleen Karr
Kathleen Karr attributes her move from adult historical romance to young adult books to her own children. They wanted her to write books for them. A good story, thorough research, and a superb writing style along with serendipity all played a role in Kathy's success. The manuscript for her first book, It Ain't Always Easy (1990, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 10 up, $14.95) ended up in the hands of a new agent who submitted the text to Farrar Straus and Giroux. Kathy became the first client and first book sale for Renee Cho. The synergistic relationship continues and her book Gideon and the Mummy Professor (1993, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 10 up, $16.00) is dedicated to her agent.
Kathy undertakes extensive research about the period, the locale and even reads old diaries to get the tone and dialog correct. She told me that the story for It Ain't Always Easy had been in her head for two years -- she knew what she wanted to write about, but she needed an opening sentence. Suddenly inspired while painting the kitchen she began writing furiously and completed the first draft in three months. Two years later the book was in print.
It Ain't Always Easy is an adventure story of two orphans' struggle to stay alive in the late 1800s. Their travels take then from New York City to New Hope, PA always filled with the "hope" of finding a home and family. Kathy's second book Oh, Those Harper Girls (1992, Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, Ages 12 up, $16.00 and $4.95) is a humorous tale ofsix sisters who try saving their father's ranch by robbing a stagecoach. They then earn the money from the ensuing notoriety that puts them on the stage to tell about the holdup. The story is told from the viewpoint of the youngest daughter who is trying to raise money by selling her memoirs.
A recurring theme in Kathy's books is one of strong children. Parents, when they exist, are not the ones who provide the guidance or means to support the children. For the most part the parents are not mean, rather they are inept. In Gideon and the Mummy Professor, Gideon is far more practical and caring than his father. It is a great fast moving adventure sprinkled with humor and filled with suspense. The mysteries of Egypt, Voodoo and an intricate plot will keep readers enthralled. Other recent books by Kathy include The Cave (1994, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 9 to 12, $16.00), In the Kaiser's Clutch (1995, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, Ages 11 to 15, $15.00), Spy in the Sky (1997, Hyperion, Ages 8 to 9, $13.98 and $3.95), and a new series entitled "Pettycoat Party" about the follys and foibles of a group of pioneers traveling overland to Oregon. Kathy Karr has prepared an excellent teaching guide for this series.
Reviews
Bone Dry
Kathleen Karr
In this exuberant sequel to "Skullduggery," Matthew Morrissey falls in love with the beautiful, but sequestered, Nathalie, rides his first camel in search of Alexander the Great, is captured by Tuareg raiders, discovers a hidden treasure cave of gold, and encounters a jinn. When he is about to be sold to a malevolent slave trader, he uses his exceptional juggling skills and tricks learned from the magician Houdin to deceive the Tuareg raiders and the Arab slavers. They relax just long enough for the African slaves to seize swords and attack their oppressors. Karr deftly weaves information about Egypt, its landscape and peoples, and daily life in a caravan into the story. Both the young Matthew Morrissey and his mentor, the phrenologist Dr. Asa B. Cornwall, are engaging and fascinating characters. With so many skulls yet to discover and measure (the Emperor Justinian? the Mongol raider Genghis Khan? Tamerlane, perhaps?), Morrissey and Cornwall, and their fans, can look forward to many more adventures. 2002, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Elisabeth Greenberg (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Great Stone Face Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; New Hampshire
ISBN: 0-7868-0776-8
The Boxer
Kathleen Karr
A six-month stint in prison for illegal boxing turns out to be a fortunate occurrence for fifteen-year-old Johnny Woods. It is there that he meets Michael O'Shaunnessey who sees promise in Johnny and teaches him how to box correctly. It has been three years since his father deserted the family, and Johnny sees this as an opportunity to provide a better life for his mother and siblings. His hard work pays off, and he soon rises to the top. But there are other personal challenges, such as the dilemma he faces when offered a lucrative sum to intentionally lose a match, and how to contend with the return of his father. Life in 1880s New York City comes to life, complete with historical details such as sweatshops, tenement housing, a whooping cough epidemic, smoky back rooms, and political graft. Descriptions of his training and boxing matches are vivid. Johnny is a likeable and memorable character and readers will cheer him on as he learns the strength of his convictions and literally fights his way out of poverty. 2000, Farrar Straus Giroux, Ages 9 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
The Cave
Kathleen Karr
The Depression has brought drought and poverty to the South Dakota farm of 12 year old Christine and her family. In the midst of everyday work and worries, Christine discovers a cave near their home and decides to keep its existence a secret from everyone except her younger brother Michael. The author does and especially good job of describing the scientific, yet magical-seeming phenomena of the unique cave environment, as Christine and Michael explore its mysterious depths. Tension builds as family problems increase and Christine wonders if she will be able to keep the cave a secret from her family much longer. Christine's relationship with her parents and coming of age concerns are interwoven with the children's' adventures in the cave. 1994, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 9 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
Exiled; Memoirs of A Camel
Kathleen Karr
We're all familiar with stories and movies told in the voice of a mouse, even a badger or a dog. But a camel? Camels are mysterious and exotic. They smell and spit. But tell stories? Stories with pathos, intelligence and suspense? Yes to all of the above in Kathleen Karr's "Exiled." The camel Ali is born near Luxor, Egypt, but he is soon captured, separated from his beloved mother and shipped to the United States to become part of the U.S. Camel Corps, a mid-nineteenth century experiment to help American soldiers function in the desert. Karr marvelously embellishes the real, historical "soldier-beasts" like Edward Beale as well as the Egyptian cameleer Hi-Jolly (Hadji Ali) , creating a touching story of camel-love for Ali and his beautiful, gentle mate Fatinah. The author's notes tell us that camels were no longer needed after the expansion of the railroad but were sighted in the southwestern desert as late as the 1920s. The skeleton of one of the key camel characters in the book is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Karr's studied original documents about the Camel Corps, rode camels over the sand dunes of Egypt and Morocco, even found appropriate references from the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an ("Do they not look at the Camels? How they are made?"), for Ali is a devoutly Muslim camel. "Exiled" is a perfect way to absorb history and culture and enjoy a good story all at once. You'll never look at a camel the same way again. 2004, Marshall Cavendish, $15.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States
Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers, 2004; VOYA; United States
ISBN: 0-7614-5164-1
Gilbert & Sullivan Set Me Free
Kathleen Karr
Read by Carmen Viviano-Crafts, and the Full Cast Family
Set in the early 1900s when prisons were meant for punishment, not redemption, this story follows young Libby Dodge as she begins her sentence at Sherborn Women's Prison in Massachusetts. From the outset, we know nothing about Libby's crime but we quickly come to know what landed some of her fellow inmates in jail. Ma McCreary has a life sentence for killing her husband who regularly beat her and her children. Others are in for lesser crimes such as prostitution and thievery. It is Ma who takes young Libby under her wing and is teamed up with her in the prison laundry where they wile tedious hours away singing as they work. The prison chaplain hears the two women singing and decides to put their talents to use in a musical performance. By this time we realize what put Libby in jail and her redemption comes on the heels of this marvelous performance. I cannot think of another book that would lend itself better to a full cast performance than this one. Using a full cast brought this story alive and the use of the Gilbert & Sullivan tunes themselves was the perfect way to fully enjoy this story. This unusual and intriguing piece of historical fiction is perfect for studies of social change and the role of women then and now. In addition, admirers of Gilbert & Sullivan would find this audio a delight from start to finish. Length: 5 hours/5 CDs 2004, Full Cast Audio, $34.00. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-93207-674-3
Gilbert & Sullivan Set Me Free
Kathleen Karr
Libby feels humiliated beyond anything she thought was possible. They have taken away her beautiful clothes and her lovely hat, and they have deloused her as if she were a dog or cat taken off the street. Now she has to spend her days working in a laundry next to a woman who murdered her husband and her nights in a tiny cell. Life could not possibly get worse. What Libby discovers is that it can get better, something she never even considered. Hope comes in the form of a new chaplain, a Mrs. Wilkinson. This extraordinary lady believes in trying to improve the lot of women prisoners, and the way she thinks this can be done is through the power of music. Thus begins an incredible journey of renewal, friendship and discovery, for Libby and the other women who are involved in the musical performances at the Sherborn women's prison. In the process we learn what these women have done to end up in the prison, including Libby's own terrible story of abuse and misery. Hers is a truly horrifying tale, which will set teeth on edge and support that old cliché that "life is not fair." Kathleen Karr has created an extraordinary book that is very hard to put down at almost every point in the story. First we wonder why Libby hides the nature of her crime to herself so possessively. Did this quiet and genteel young woman do something truly monstrous? Then we wonder if she is going to survive in this harsh prison environment. So many obstacles are placed in her way, and even worse, old fears resurface. Without a doubt this is a thought-provoking, heart-felt, and fascinating picture of a time and place that we never hear about when we read our history books or historical fiction. Kathleen Karr has added a very interesting section at the back of the book to explain where she got a lot of her ideas and material. Although Libby herself is a fictional character, many of the other characters in the book were real people, and many of the events, including the 1914 performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance," were real. 2003, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).
There is nothing better than having a really good story plus an opportunity to learn a little history. Karr's latest novel is a real page-turner. You keep hoping that all will turn out well for Libby Dodge, but you just can't be sure--there are plenty of twists and turns. The setting is the Sherborn Women's Prison in Massachusetts, a real location and a story based upon an actual event. The inmates did put on a production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. The prison had several famous women who came to help or take part in prison reform--Clara Barton even served as one of its superintendents. Perhaps more emphasis on these goals might go a long way in our current penal system, which seems to have regressed and not taken any real steps to creating productive citizens. The characters that Karr has created stick in your mind long after the book is put down. We grow to care about many of them--Sal, Rosie, Ma McCreary, Dr. Colbrook and the tireless reformer/chaplain, Mrs. Wilkinson. The ending may be a bit too tidy, but we really want it to work out that way. There is just enough creepiness with the solitary confinement of prisoners who break the rules and a tough warden, guards, and a sycophantic trustee to keep any reader engaged (the book would also make a good read-aloud). Teamwork, friendship, education and the hope for a better life come through. Three cheers for Libby and all the inmates, and I, for one, am ready to attend a performance of The Pirates of Penzance or any Gilbert and Sullivan play that may be in town. 2003, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Amelia Bloomer Project, 2004; American Library Association-SRRT; United States
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-7868-1916-2
Gold-rush Phoebe
Kathleen Karr
The Petticoat Party; bk. 4
In this well-written forth installment in Karr's "Pettycoat Party" series, the series' courageous heroine Phoebe, masquerading as a boy, heads towards gold country with her great friend Robbie. The two stow away on a ship and make their way to California where they join forces with the intelligent Mr. Overbeam and his companion Olimpio. After spending an adventurous fall finding and protecting their gold, Phoebe and Robbie plan to return home but end up spending a year in San Francisco where they become successful restaurant owners and investors. As her feelings for Robbie change from platonic to romantic, Phoebe must decide whether to stay in San Francisco with Robbie or to return to Oregon to visit her family. 1998, HarperTrophy, $4.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Rebecca Joseph (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-440498-6
The Great Turkey Walk
Kathleen Karr
When fifteen-year-old Simon Green completes the third grade for the fourth time, his teacher, Miss Rogers, tells him that it is time for him to move on-and out of school. He discovers that Mr. Buffey has one thousand extra turkeys. It is 1860, the West is just opening up, and the folks in the boomtown of Denver will pay a good price for fine turkeys. Since he has all the time in the world, Simon decides to set out on the thousand mile trek from Missouri, herding those turkeys with the help of Mr. Peece. Along the way he makes friends with Jabeth, a runaway slave, and Lizzie, the sole survivor of a prairie homesteading family. They work together to overcome hardships such as turkey rustlers (one of whom is Simon's long-lost father) and a swarm of grasshoppers. With depth to her characters and a lightness to her telling, Karr's humorous adventure tale is a delight. Her fine research of the period is so deftly woven into the story that readers will easily absorb knowledge of pre-Civil War life in the American West. This adventure begs to be read aloud and shared, so make yourself comfortable, pull out a map, follow the turkey drive and watch as "simple" Simon spreads his wings. 1998 Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 9 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
In the Kaiser's Clutch
Kathleen Karr
This exciting mystery is set during World War I. The characters include a single mother, who writes serial episodes for silent films, and her fifteen year old twins, Nell and Fitz. Her husband was killed in a munitions plant explosion. During a summer break the twins become actors in the serials their mother has written. Mystery and coincidence abound when the serial begins to mirror their lives. 1995, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, Ages 11 to 15, $15.00. Reviewer: Rae Valabek
It Ain't Always Easy
Kathleen Karr
The title of Karr's novel, "It Ain't Always Easy," sounds like a remark an adult would make to a child. In this case, it describes the tough life of two homeless children. Jack, age ten, is the believable narrator of his adventures with Mandy, the younger of the pair, as they move from the streets of New York to the countryside of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They are searching for a place to live, a home where the adults will be kind and trustworthy. Happily they succeed. Karr's artistry is in painting compelling realistic portraits of people while using historical facts to place these portraits in the proper place and time. 1990, Farrar Strauss Giroux, $14.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Judith Gravitz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
ISBN: 0-374-33645-8
The Lighthouse Mermaid
Kathleen Karr
Illustrations by Karen Lee Schmidt
Kate lives in a lighthouse on a tiny, isolated island with her parents, four younger brothers and sisters, and a new baby on the way. Sometimes she wishes she was a mermaid, and she often dreams about mermaids. But when Papa has to go ashore to replenish their dangerously dwindling food supply, Kate finds herself faced with tremendous responsibilities and no time to dream. The tale is briskly told and should appeal to the young readers for whom it is intended. One of the Hyperion Chapters books for emerging readers, this story is designed to be read by children at a third grade reading level. The soft black and white drawings are attractive additions to the text. 1998, Hyperion, Ages 8 to 9, $14.49 and $3.95. Reviewer: Linnea Hendrickson
ISBN: 0-7868-2297-X
ISBN: 0-7868-1232-X
Mama Went to Jail for the Vote
Kathleen Karr
Illustrated by Malene Laugesen
In this cleverly-illustrated and well-written historical fiction for young readers, Susan Elizabeth's Mama is fighting for a very important cause. Mama is a suffragist and she is adamant about women's right to vote. Young Susan Elizabeth hears her Mama say that you should never attack with anything but votes and that by protesting she is looking after her daughter's future. Meanwhile, Susan Elizabeth's Papa tells her that women are meant to be an ornament to men and to comfort men after their labors. The wonderful illustrations in this picture book about the women's suffrage movement in American history will help young readers comprehend the story and appreciate the sentiments of the time. Readers will strongly identify with Susan Elizabeth, the main character, and be compelled by her view of the suffrage movement. The text clearly and cleverly explains specific historical details and clarifies new vocabulary such as crusade, bloomers, and precinct. On the final page of the book there are historical notes where readers can learn more about the suffrage movement of the early 1900's. At times humorous and always poignant, this appealing story provides an inside and fresh view of the women's suffrage movement. As a read-aloud for the classroom or as an independent read, this excellent historical-fiction picture book will be enjoyed by those who are attracted to a good story with rich, engaging illustrations. 2005, Hyperion Books for Children, $15.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Borges (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-0593-5
Man of the Family
Kathleen Karr
Living and working on a chicken farm in South Jersey is not necessarily going to be a grabber for kids, but those who start reading this book may well find that they can't put it down. This eloquent and beautifully written story details the struggles of a Hungarian immigrant family just after World War I. Young Istvan at age ten is the oldest of five children, and he is the focus of the story. His father and mother came from families of means in the "old country" but now they struggle tirelessly on their chicken farm to keep food on the table. But they have dreams of a better life, and Istvan is proud to be a part of the effort. He loves his father and wants to be like him in so many ways. However, events take a turn for the worse and young Istvan is forced to grow up very fast. Readers will be intrigued by Apa (father) and marvel at the strength of Anya (mother)--their pride, love of music, belief in education and genuine caring for each other and their young family. 1999, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2000; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2000; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
ISBN: 0-374-34764-6
Oh, Those Harper Girls
Kathleen Karr
Karr's second novel, "Oh Those Harper Girls" is a western with entertaining young protagonists. Lily Harper, the youngest of the six Harper girls, tells the story of their attempt to save their father's ranch. Urged on by their father and his not-quite-honest money making schemes, the girls find themselves in hilarious tight spots, a stint in jail and finally on the road starring in their autobiographical production Highway Girls. A high spirited adventure that also reflects Karr's artistry in painting compelling realistic portraits of people while using historical facts to place these portraits in the proper place and time. 1992, Farrar Strauss Giroux, $16.00 and $4.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Judith Gravitz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1992; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-374-35609-2
ISBN: 0-374-45599-6
Playing with Fire
Kathleen Karr
Whether you plan to globe trot or kick back in your yard, late summer offers the perfect opportunity for travel. Books can accompany real trips or be the vehicle through which your kids journey to the past or investigate the world close by. Award-winning author Kathleen Karr takes young readers on a wild ride to the 1920s in Playing with Fire. Fortune-telling, séances, and a villain named Drake Morley haunt Greer the summer she spends in a Long Island mansion. Greer struggles to discover the truth shrouded by the past and hidden in the spirit world in this suspenseful work of historic fiction. 2001, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-374-23453-1
The Seventh Knot
Kathleen Karr
This period piece perfectly captures the language, style, and financial exuberance of the turn of the century. Brother Wick and Miles Forrester transform their mother's punishment--joining Uncle Eustace on his 1896 art-buying expedition--into a rollicking European adventure. Uncle Eustace's servant, Jose Gregorio, introduces Miles and Wick, as well as the reader, to the Masters of the art world, an area of their education that has been sorely neglected. When Jose Gregorio disappears in Florence and Uncle Eustace succumbs to gout, Wick and Miles discover that Jose Gregorio is more than he seems, perhaps even a spy on the trail of a German secret society. They chase suspicious characters, including the art dealer Polisson, follow clues, and spy on the secret Durerbund only to end up locked in a dungeon in Pegnitz Castle with Jose Gregorio. The scientific Miles constructs a bomb to help the trio escape and soon they are on the trail again of the German conspiracy that celebrates the fatherland and hopes to take over Europe. Can they foil the plot in time? Only by destroying the first fleet of hot air balloons and enjoying a hair-raising ride of their own. Engaging characters and fantastic plot make this story lots of fun. Try this book on reluctant readers who love adventure and sly humor. 2003, Marshall Cavendish, $15.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Elisabeth Greenberg (Children's Literature).
A millionaire reluctantly agrees to take his precocious nephews to Europe for their summer vacation in 1896. Uncle Eustace hopes to acquire a cache of art to decorate his lavish mansion. The boys are angry at their mother for shipping them off, but their disappointment quickly turns to intrigue as they board the grand ocean liner that takes them overseas. Miles and Chadwick cannot quite figure out their uncle's mysterious valet--Jose Gregorio. Gregorio seems to be a cut above the usual servant. In addition to his impeccable credentials as valet, he advises Uncle Eustace about art purchases. What sets out to be a grand art tour through France, Italy, and Germany turns out to be a fast-paced adventure that has the boys uncovering an evil plot for world domination by a power-hungry German art lover. From the time Jose Gregorio disappears from their Italian pensione, the boys quickly demonstrate that they can "think outside of the box" to solve not only this kidnapping, but a host of other mysteries as well. The fast-paced and exciting plot centers on a cult built around the Renaissance painter Albrecht Durer. Readers will feel they are right beside Miles and Wick as they roam the streets of Paris, Florence, and Nuremberg in their quest. The boys get locked in a dungeon, and stranded at a castle while the bad guys get away. How will they pursue crazy Otto von Klein and put a stop to his evil plan to rule the world? Readers are in for a rolling adventure that doesn't stop until the satisfying conclusion. A great dose of culture is infused throughout the pages of this well-written and well-conceived book. Many passages will stimulate thinking about art and history and the cities of Europe. 2003, Marshall Cavendish, $15.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Agatha Awards Winner 2003 Best Children's/Young Adult Mystery Unites States
ISBN: 0-7614-5135-8
Spy in the Sky
Kathleen Karr
Illustrated by Thomas F. Yezerski
Little know facts of history make great stories, and Kathleen Karr has found one that will appeal to kids. She tells the story of Thaddeus Lowe, a ballonist who founded the Balloon Corps during the Civil War. Her tale is told through the eyes ofRidley, a young orphan boy, who becomes Thaddeus' assistant. Ridley is ficticious, the rest is based on real events. Karr manages to create suspense, reveal a bit of character, and pack a lot of information into her high flying chapter book. The puzzles and activities at the end are an extra bonus. 1997, Hyperion, Ages 8 to 9, $13.98 and $3.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
Worlds Apart
Kathleen Karr
The year is 1670. Christopher West, his parents and his sister, Julia, have traveled from England to the New World. They, along with the other colonists who traveled with them, are to be the first settlers of Carolina, an untamed land very different from the cultured British society to which they are accustomed. These differences quickly become apparent, as the colonists are welcomed by the Sewee Indians. The Sewee people welcome the newcomers with food and goods. It is then that fifteen-year-old Christopher meets Asha-po, a young Indian of the same age. The boys share a love of adventure and a sense of curiosity, and they begin to meet for daily adventures. They explore the islands, the ships, and the water. After days of hard labor helping to build the colony's palisade, Christopher enjoys the freedom he is given to run loose with Asha-po, an activity that is sanctioned by colony leaders who recognize that the boys' friendship can be a means of learning about their new land and its resources. Christopher, in fact, learns about more than just rattlesnakes, corn and clams. He learns about friendship, slavery, danger, and--most of all--his own strength. Kathleen Karr's early American adventure tale is captivating and fast-paced. It is based on written accounts of the actual Carolina colony. 2005, Marshall Cavendish, $15.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5195-1
"Petticoat Party" series
Go West, Young Women! Book 1
Kathleen Karr
This first volume of The Petticoat Party series, takes us on part of the grueling and dangerous Oregon Trail along with spunky 12 year old Phoebe Brown, her older sister, parents, several other families and a few single people. There are more women than men in the wagon train as it sets out from Independence, Missouri, but the group becomes known early on as the Petticoat Party after most of the men are killed or wounded trying to hunt buffalo. From this point on Phoebe and the other girls and women must use their resourcefulness to take over leadership of the party. How Phoebe and the others gradually learn how to take over many traditionally male jobs, responsibilities and prerogatives, is recounted in a colorful, humorous style from Phoebe's point of view. Since the novel ends with their arrival at Fort Laramie, most readers will be eager to find out what happens further along the trail. 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 10 to 14, $14.95. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan
Phoebe's Folly Book 2
Kathleen Karr
Phoebe's Folly is Book Two of the Petticoat Party series. Armed with rifles and courage, these first feminists on the Oregon Trail are ready for anything. They face the challenges of the trail -- hunger, hardship, lovesick Indians, and even a challenge to a shooting contest -- with aplomb and confidence. A very funny look at what American history might have been like. Read Book One first! 1996, HarperCollins, Ages 10 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Judy Silverman
Oregon, Sweet Oregon: The Petticoat Party Book 3
Kathleen Karr
In this third volume in the "Petticoat Party"series, Phoebe Brown and her family have at last arrived in the promised land of Oregon, but Phoebe finds it no paradise, as the hardships of the trail are replaced by the drudgery of helping to carve a farm out of the wilderness. Phoebe finds settled life lacks the freedom and adventure she'd experienced on the trail, and responds by refusing to conform to conventional expectations for female behavior. Written in a lively and entertaining style, the book rather uneasily superimposes twentieth-century feminist perspectives and multicultural awareness on nineteenth-century prejudices, but nevertheless, the story is interesting and may stimulate young readers'interest in pioneer history and the issues involved. 1998, HarperCollins, Ages 9 to 12, $4.95. Reviewer: Linnea Hendrickson
Go to Kathleen Karr's teaching guide for the "Pettycoat Party" series
More Kathleen Karr Teaching Guides
Updated 09/10/07
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