Owen Foote, Frontiersman: An Adventure Story About Reclaiming a Fort in the Woods for Kids

Owen Foote #3

by Stephanie Greene, Martha Weston (Illustrator)

Wearing his coonskin cap, carrying his book about animal tracks, and armed with a jar of red pepper flakes in case he meets a bear or a mountain lion, Owen feels like a pioneer when he goes into the woods with his best friend, Joseph. But there are other kinds of varmints in the wilderness-not bears and mountain lions, but two big kids who have nothing better to do than trash a treehouse fort. It's up to Owen and Joseph to stop them, and so, following in the footsteps of his hero, Daniel Boone, Owen makes the forest his teacher. Using all the woodland lore at his disposal, Owen comes up with new identities for himself and Joseph-Wolverine and Badger-and a plan to drive out the intruders and reclaim their kingdom.

96 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2002

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS Pros and cons to this one. Appreciated the emphasis on outdoor play and the boys' creativity and problem-solving skills. Appreciated that Owen speaks up for himself when his mom wants him to attend a playdate with children who make him feel uncomfortable. Some of the interactions between him and his mom really touched my heart and I could see my boys in Owen sometimes. Yet, some of this also felt a bit old-fashioned in a less than great way. Completely idealizing the frontier. The coonskin caps, some of the treatment of animals, one of the references to Indians. Despite its merits, I recommend previewing before sharing with today’s children. I feels almost 1950s, or at least early 1980s, though the copyright is 1999.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wearing his coonskin cap, carrying his book about animal tracks, and armed with a jar of red pepper flakes in case he meets a bear or a mountain lion, Owen feels like a pioneer when he goes into the woods with his best friend, Joseph. But there are other kinds of varmints in the wilderness-not bears and mountain lions, but two big kids who have nothing better to do than trash a treehouse fort. It's up to Owen and Joseph to stop them, and so, following in the footsteps of his hero, Daniel Boone, Owen makes the forest his teacher. Using all the woodland lore at his disposal, Owen comes up with new identities for himself and Joseph-Wolverine and Badger-and a plan to drive out the intruders and reclaim their kingdom

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at a Scholastic book fair hoping it would be something that would interest some 3rd grade boys I'm working with, and after reading it, I'm certain it will fit the bill. It combines the perfect blend of boys trying to be tough acting frontiersmen with the actuality of boys still afraid of the dark and things that go bump in the night.

[Jo Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was totally relevant for my 9 yo boy. He loved everything about it from the coonskin cap (we've got to make one now. Step 1 is done: racoon trapped), to code names Wolverine and Badger and standing up to bullies to protect property. Will check out others in the series now.

[Lgordo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely perfect wish-fulfillment book for little kids.

A second grader stands up to some bullies and learns that if you *act* brave you *are* brave.

I love Owen Foote. He is basically my son, but just a drop more ridiculous so my son can feel superior. His adventures and challenges are relatable. It's normal life but more entertaining. In a world full of terrible books aimed at this set, Owen Foote is exceptional.

I honestly don't know why these books aren't more famous.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Owen and Joseph must defend their fort against "invaders" Spencer and Jake, who just happen to be the grandsons of Mrs. Gold, their kindly neighbor. To make matters worse, Owen's mom is a member of the OPM club (Overprotective Moms), so he must try to hide the truth from her as he plots his plan.

[Tammy King Carlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew's book- report book for this month.