Miranda's Last Stand

by Gloria Whelan

It's a dream come true for Miranda and her mother when Buffalo Bill asks them to join his legendary Wild West Show. Soon, Miranda finds herself taking part in a glittering world—befriending and Indian girl, meeting Annie Oakley, and even performing in the show. But Mama stews in her hatred of the Indians. all of whom she blames for her husband's death. And when the famous Sioux chief Sitting Bull appears at the show, and Mama threatens to leave, Miranda must battle a hatred that cuts to the core of American history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens

131 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Gloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby: 5,
Grace: 5,
Read aloud with girls February, 2018.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miranda has had a tough time of things. Her father has been killed by Indians, and now she's leaving home. Her mother has taken a job with a Wild West Show (with the likes of Bill Cody and Annie Oakley!) but that involves working...and living...with Indians.

I loved the setting for this story - such a unique situation with a fascinating cast of characters. How the author handles the challenges this girl faces (and her mother too!) alongside historical detail is fascinating. Gloria Whelan is fast becoming a favorite author!

[Janie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story,with historical info about Buffalo Bill and his western shows, Sitting Bull, and Annie Oakley, as seen from the eyes of a young girl, Miranda. A lesson learned from this story is that getting to know the real person,instead of believing what others say,or believing it yourself, heals misunderstandings, and helps to forgive yourself and others.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Whelan book. Describes the aftermath of Custers last stand. Deals w or edifice and survival. Exciting wild west show.

[Lee Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read story set mostly in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.