The Sodbuster Venture

by Charlene Joy Talbot

Following a dying man's last request, thirteen-year-old Maud helps the man's fiance homestead his claim on the Kansas prairie in 1870.

194 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1982

Reviews

[Challice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a Little House on the Prairie feel complete with grasshopper, drought, and uncouth men. Maud, a spunky 13 year old blossoming girl, helps Belle set up homesteading. Belle arrives to late to marry her sweetheart but fulfills his dying wish to remain on the homestead for a year.
I would say it was written for the young adult. My favorite line was "adequate Sodbusters." Once Belle and Maud set up homesteading they end up taking a young cowboy who is injured on the trail. The young cowboy is Maud's age and there's a little spark lit.

For those that don't know, a sodbuster was a homesteader. In the early pioneer days, homes were made from dugouts in the ground called a soddy. The term usually was coined by the ranchers who wanted the land not for farming but for cattle. Sodbusters worked hard at homesteading and making their dwelling the best they could under circumstances.

All in all, it was a fun read. Does have some language in it. There are also two brothers that make references to the blossoming females.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maud has worked for Mr. Nelson who dies and wants her to convince his fiancée to stay when she gets there. It can be slow moving but also surprising things happen. Maud works hard and has to deal with scuzzy guys. Very clean read, concerns for her safety/virtue but just suggested. Sweet story and good place to start for history loving older kids who don't mind a less detailed or emotional rollercoaster of more modern books.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it so much!

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED it!