Addie Across the Prairie

Addie #2

by Laurie Lawlor

Nobody said pioneering would be easy! Addie's a pioneer now in the vast Dakota territory, far from her friend Eleanor and Iowa. And now she must care for her youngest brother as Ma, Pa, and the older boys and Mr. and Mrs. Fency leave to build a home before winter comes. She's all alone with two year-old Burt when the terrifying prairie fire begins!

How can she save herself and little Burt before the raging fire steals their home and their lives?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Fiction, American History, Historical

Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Laurie Lawlor grew up in a family enamored with the theater. Along with her five brothers and sisters she spent summers in a summer stock repertory company in a small mountain town in Colorado that was run by their mother (costumer, cook, accountant, and resident psychiatrist) and their father (artistic director).

Reviews

[Allie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addie Mills and her family are homesteaders from Iowa. When Addie’s Pa finds out that they can have free land in Montana, Addie’s family packs up their belongings and load them into a covered wagon. Addie, her two brothers and younger sister begin the long and dangerous trip across the prairie to their new homestead in Montana. On the journey, Addie and her family face many challenges including meeting mysterious Native Americans, the dangers of prairie fires and learning how to survive in the prairie. Will Addie be able to become a tough ‘sod-busting’ girl and survive on the harsh prairie? Read to find out!
Laurie Lawlor’s story will keep readers engaged and also teach readers about prairie life and the great migration out west. I would recommend this book to students grades 3-6.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast read. I wanted my sons to learn a little bit about what a traveler out to the prairie would come across and what it was like to build and live in a soddy house. They were really engaged in the chapters as I read them to them. It was well written and a good one.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually finished this nice little book over a week ago but I’m just now shelving it. This was a relaxing read about a pioneer girl and her family. This was a good book to read during last month’s vacation.

[Janice Corturillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is appropriate for third through fifth graders. It brings prairie traveling, settling, and trials to vivid life.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nostalgia Book: I love this book as a young girl and I felt myself transported back as I reread about how Addie learns to love her new land, how she finds bravery within, and how she learns to rely on those she loves. I cried just like I did as child when Eleanor is destroyed and when Addie clings to the side of the well during the fire. I love the line that Anna says about the prairie, "There's a vastness here that swallows you up and lets you go all at the same time." Such a sweet book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every once in a while you need a good old-fashioned prairie story. This one was a good one; it had lots of action, and difficult and dangerous situations where the main character (a young girl named Addie), discovers her true potential and bravery. All in all a good book, but i probably wouldn't ever read it a second time.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading everything that the pioneers went through to start a new land. This little girl just wanted a doll. She made one herself from rags. Then she saves her brother from a fire by jumping in a well as the fire goes over them. Amazing! Loved it!

[Megan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this as a kid, and was still pretty good. Not great, but good.

3/5 on here, 6/10 for myself

[smorez 329 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book ever! I read a paragraph and fell in love

[Marianlovesbirds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it but the beginning was a little boring. My favorite part was when Addie saved the farm.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addie's family is leaving Iowa to a new life in the Dakota Territory.
A perfect book for those Little House fans!

[Mellanie C]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13132144

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+. children's book, historical fiction, westward expansion, grade 4, mom's stash, keep

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wholesome book that I recommend for all ages 8+.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was disturbing how nasty Addie and George were to each other through most of the story, but refreshing to see that change. Amazing what a 9 year old girl is expected to do, and accomplishes.

[Hayley H · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first historical fictions I read as a child

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of a Laura Ingalls vibe from this story...

[Katherine Kapellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot I love to read historical fiction.

[Jhawn]

"Unhappy to leave her home and friends, Addi reluctantly accompanies her family to the Dakota Territory and slowly begins to adjust to life on the prairie."