Charlotte Avery on Isle Royale

by Rebecca S. Curtis

Set in the 1870s, young Charlotte and her family move north after the Great Chicago Fire to discover the rich heritage and natural wonders of Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior which is now a U.S. National Park.
In the Midwestern tradition of the "Little House" books, this heartwarming tale of growing up in a pioneer family on the edge of the wilderness will delight readers of all ages.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

191 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a children's historical fiction book that educates children on the Great Chicago Fire, copper mining, blindness, shipwrecks, maple sugaring, voyageurs, Isle Royale, and daily life in the 1870's. A pleasant surprise as I picked this book up on a whim based solely on the title. I had hoped to learn a bit about Isle Royale and expected a fictional story, but much of the book is based on true events.

[Mombear]

I admit to a partiality for this book which existed before I opened it. It's about Isle Royal in Lake Superior in the last third of the 19th century when the mines on the island were still active, and some of the old-timers from the Fur Trade are still around.

It's a children's story, written for about 4th grade level, but it a clear and interesting tale. I don't know that I would recommend it to an adult lover of children's stories, as the plot is thin and never very exciting ("low on conflct", my Writers' Group would say).

However, for a youngster interested in history, particlarly who lives in the area, I would freely suggest it.

I would send a child to the library for it; I would not give it as a gift.

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read elementary-level chapter books, but got caught on this one after recently visiting Isle Royale. Ms. Curtis does a very nice job combining the history of a lesser-known area with a narrative for younger readers. I'm glad I picked it up to read.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story. And can't help liking it because of the last name. :)

[Vicki Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book that I never got around to reading to my kids. Found it on my bookshelf and decided to read it. Well worth the time.

[David Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read. It should be a good book young readers.

[Shelly Dabbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book since it had to do with a place in the state of Michigan. It is for younger readers but it was a fun read. Story was interesting, characters were well described & written.

[Marlene R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I just visited Isle Royale I wanted to read something about life there. As stated, it is actually a children's book but was still "educational" and enjoyable to read. I want to find a book about life a little later, the 30s and 40s when it became a tourist destination rather than mining.