Reviews

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell by Kristiana Gregory

lee_hillshire's review against another edition

I appreciate where these books lean into realism that open conversations in an age-appropriate and approachable way. Sometimes uncomfy by modern standards, but if we water down our history, we're never going to learn the right lessons from it.

ablounger926's review against another edition

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

emilyusuallyreading's review against another edition

4.0

I'm currently on a middle grade book kick.

What I Liked

I chose to read this one because it was a favorite when I was small. I still remember the children putting "axle grease" on their lips because they were so chapped - but in my youth, I equated this to Carmex!

For a children's novel, this one doesn't dumb down death and tragedy. There are several tragic deaths throughout the story - eating poisonous hemlock, being washed away at sea, small children wandering away and never being found again, a child trampled by mules, a nine-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed by his friends, and more. While it wasn't pleasant to read these accounts, they kept me reading. I felt as if I was reading the diary of a 13-year-old girl ... and not only a book written for 13-year-old girls.

What I Didn't Like
A little too much obsession with "Will anyone ever love me?" "What IS love?" "What IS it like to be a bride?" for my taste, but that's just a matter of personal preference.

meganreads5's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

zenithharpink's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed this - it's always fascinating to see how people lived in different times, even if this is fiction. I like the characters, and while their adventure wasn't easy, it was hopeful and exciting. I can't believe the hardship and what was left behind. Hattie was a strong girl & heroine.

I recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially younger readers.

lianamathias's review against another edition

4.0

My soon to be 4th grader loves these Dear America books, so when I ran out of my own to read I grabbed one. I was really sucked in to this story and thought it was such a great way to teach them about history! I'll definitely read all the other ones she checks out. Highly recommended for upper elementary kids.

fairytalelover1990's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

3.0

jdalton's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book as a young girl and was glad to revisit it as a child. It was like visiting an old friend but from the eyes of an adult.

greenrain's review against another edition

4.0

I loved these books as a child, this one in particular. This series kindled my love of history.

cashleykate's review against another edition

3.25

Honestly one of my favorites of this series but gonna be honest, it REALLY made me want to go play Oregon Trail. So that may be a contributing factor.