From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up?A fascinating biographical account. In the early 1850s, the Oatman family left their Illinois farm to seek a better life in the new Western territories. During the journey, the wagon train split apart, until only the Oatmans were left. They were attacked by Apaches, brutally beaten, and left for dead. Twelve-year-old Olive and her younger sister, Mary Ann, were taken captive and forced to live and work in extremely harsh conditions. After nearly a year, the two were sold to the Mohave Indians, who offered slightly better treatment. Nonetheless, Mary Ann succumbed to malnutrition and disease. Olive's captivity lasted for nearly five years until she was freed by an emissary from Fort Yuma. There, she discovered that one of her brothers had miraculously survived the attack. The young woman went on to give lectures about her experiences and became a minor celebrity of the time. Her story is valuable as human interest, and because it provides insight into the arduous realities of the trek west. Although fictional dialogue is included, it adds to the text's readability. The bibliography leads one to believe that this is a thoroughly researched and documented account. Native Americans are not portrayed in a flattering manner, but mention is made of the reasons for their hostility toward the white people's encroachment of their land and natural resources.?Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
