From Publishers Weekly
Seasoned author Fleischman (The 13th Floor) returns with a spirited novel set against the California Gold Rush. Plucking a character out of history?Joaquin Murieta, an infamous 1850s Mexican outlaw?he expertly crafts a fictionalized tale that takes a clear-eyed look at bigotry and racism, while steering away from the twin pitfalls of pedantry and sermonizing. Told from the point of view of Annyrose Smith, an orphan in search of her brother Lank, the story starts with a bang (she's swept off with the banditos) and never lets up its fierce pace. All the trademarks of one of Fleischman's rollicking yarns are here, from treachery aplenty and multiple cases of mistaken identity, to colorful rascals?all delivered with a double helping of humor (as when Annyrose attempts to teach the outlaw to read and he remarks, "They tell me my name starts with a J. Yes, I have seen that shape on wanted posters"). Fueled by brisk dialogue and lively descriptions ("my heart sounded like woodpeckers in my ears"), the story moves as swiftly as a whitewater stream, carrying readers along for an exhilarating ride. It's not all thundering hooves and gunfire, however. Fleischman also tucks in weightier issues, as Annyrose ruminates on such concepts as revenge, villainy and friendship while riding with the outlaw?who, as it turns out, is hardly the bloodthirsty figure he's been painted to be. Food for thought packaged inside a most enticing adventure. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-An exciting novel set in the days of the California Gold Rush. After young Annyrose breaks her ankle, she is left with the evil O. O. Mary by her brother, who continues on to make his fortune in the mines. She is saved from this horrible fate by the Mexican bandit Joaquin Murieta, who has come for revenge against the people who murdered his family and stole his land. Thinking that Annyrose is a boy, Joaquin takes her along with his gang so that she can teach him to read. During her travels with the band, Annyrose gains an understanding of the injustices the ruthless bandits are avenging and becomes friends with Joaquin and the others despite her fears and objections. She alternately helps and hinders their endeavors and is ultimately reunited with her brother. Written in the style of an old Western, the book is full of lore and legend of the Old West. It is fun, fast, and wild, but there is a serious side to the story. In an author's note, readers learn that a Mexican bandit, Joaquin Murieta, became a legend as both a cutthroat and a Robin Hood-type figure. Fleischman makes Joaquin a sympathetic central character as he shows the injustices suffered by minorities during this time of greed and lawlessness. This is classic Sid Fleischman: a quick read, with lots of twists, wonderful phrasing, historical integrity, and a bit of the tall tale thrown in.
Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library, Orlando, FLCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
