The Wide Horizon (Living History Library (Bethlehem Books)) [Paperback]

Loula Grace Erdman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Living History Library (Bethlehem Books) | Publication Date: September 2007

In this second book about the Pierce family, more than five years have passed since their first moving into the Texas Panhandle. They have learned to live in a primitive sod house and have overcome—and even come to love—the odds that the land with its weather and unusual neighbors presents. Even so, 15-year-old Katie, gentle and artistic, is eager to return to East Texas to be schooled in all the finer things that this pioneer country lacks. Then an accident to Grandmother reverses everything! Katie, to her own surprise, finds herself volunteering to stay home to feed and care for Papa, the boys and Carolyn on the farm, while Mama makes the eastward journey to care for her mother. During the next few months, timid Katie encounters one distressful situation after another, from humiliating cooking disasters, to tough boys at school, to a battle with a blizzard. Despite fears and setbacks, she resolves to do whatever seems needed, acts which often turn out to contain a lot of heroism. As Katie’s confidence grows, so does her interaction with family and new and old friends deepen—all against the picturesque backdrop of homesteading life in the Texas Panhandle during the late 1800’s.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 279 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books (September 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932350128
• ISBN-13: 978-1932350128
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,943 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Second in Texas Panhandle series, January 2, 2010

By 

Teri-K (TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wide Horizon (Living History Library (Bethlehem Books)) (Paperback)

The Wide Horizon" is the second in the Texas Panhandle series, books I first read about 40 years ago. But don't worry about them being outdated, as the author created a true feel of homesteading in the 1890's. These books may remind you of the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
This book takes place 5 years after the Pierce family moves from their city home to become homesteaders in the harsh plains of the Texas panhandle. They have learned to enjoy much about their new life. Gentle Katie, the middle daughter, appreciates the subtle beauty around her, and basks in her family's love. However, Katie is timid and very sensitive to the harshness around her, too. She longs to return to her old home, live with her grandmother, and study art.
When her grandmother has an accident, Katie's mother travels back east to help her, and Katie bravely volunteers to stay behind. Going from one embarrassing problem to another, Katie finally proves her mettle to herself and her family during a terrible blizzard.
I highly recommend this book. They would make wonderful presents for young girls. Just be sure to read them in order.