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drlisak's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books that reminds me the true power of story telling: to take you on an adventure you would never have imagined; introduce you to characters that have flaws and yet you want to know more about them; make you learn a little more about what it means to be human. My husband chose this book for me, on a journey to the library, and it IS NOT one that I would normally have gravitated to--but I am so glad to have discovered it. I look forward to reading more by Stacey Lee
tomikorobson's review
4.0
A fun YA historical fiction. And it gave me my “western novel” square for the YPL Adult Summer Reading Bingo card
lilyevangeline's review against another edition
3.0
I'll be honest. I picked up this book because it's so rare to find a YA fiction book that is a) historical and b) not pitched a romance. I decided that I could do with an uplifting tale of friendship and unlikely racial reconciliation in 1800s America. And that is, for the most part, what I found.
Of course, a romance managed to commandeer most of the plot at places, but I didn't mind so much, really. There was good humor, fast-paced writing that didn't drag behind. I did like this book, and I even stayed up late finishing it. It was sweet and fun.
However, I found myself constantly annoyed at the main character for her inability to move beyond literally ever female stereotype ever. Like, she just sucks at pretending to be a boy and just acts like a girl. I wanted a little bit of badass, and was disappointed when it didn't show up. I docked points for unoriginality in the classic motif of "hurt-tough-scarred-dude-is-only-saved-by-the-gentle-care-of-an-equally-hurting-girl." But I do have to give her props for writing a book where a girl fulfills every female stereotype and is okay with it (a rare thing in YA fiction sometimes). Also, it was great to read a book about historical life as a minority--I was quite educated by the end!
In summary, I enjoyed it, even if I'm not going to read it again or recommend it to others.
Of course, a romance managed to commandeer most of the plot at places, but I didn't mind so much, really. There was good humor, fast-paced writing that didn't drag behind. I did like this book, and I even stayed up late finishing it. It was sweet and fun.
However, I found myself constantly annoyed at the main character for her inability to move beyond literally ever female stereotype ever. Like, she just sucks at pretending to be a boy and just acts like a girl. I wanted a little bit of badass, and was disappointed when it didn't show up. I docked points for unoriginality in the classic motif of "hurt-tough-scarred-dude-is-only-saved-by-the-gentle-care-of-an-equally-hurting-girl." But I do have to give her props for writing a book where a girl fulfills every female stereotype and is okay with it (a rare thing in YA fiction sometimes). Also, it was great to read a book about historical life as a minority--I was quite educated by the end!
In summary, I enjoyed it, even if I'm not going to read it again or recommend it to others.
neglet's review against another edition
First time in a long while I’ve stayed up late because I just had to finish reading... I don’t read a ton of historicals, but when it’s done well there’s nothing I like better. And this one is high stakes and action-packed with lots of character development and relationship connections as the protagonist creates a found family. It’s maybe a tad too neat at the end, but it leaves plenty of room for you to dream of what comes next for the characters. Fascinating and satisfying.
winstonandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
The diversity in this story makes it so refreshing, intriguing, and unique - like nothing I’ve ever read before in this genre. I also really liked the themes throughout the story. My one star off I think has to do with my personal preference. I don’t think I much like westerns - the parts describing logistics of traveling, making camp, etc were uninteresting to me and were longer than I’d like. I also physically bristle at the idea of not bathing for days or weeks - I hate camping, there’s no way I would have made it on the Oregon Trail! But all in all, a unique twist on a time period, that is driven by its interesting and diverse characters.
woomom's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable fast-moving, clean read. The premise of the book is pretty far-fetched, but if you can get past that, it’s a good one.
couscous's review against another edition
4.0
So good. Loved the relationship between Andy and Sammy, we need more books with friendships like this
dirtdiva's review against another edition
4.0
This would’ve been my favorite book in 8th grade, still enjoyed it as an adult.