Walking Up a Rainbow (Avon Flare Book) [Paperback]

Theodore Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Series: Avon Flare Book | Publication Date: August 1, 1996

Orphaned at fourteen, Susan Carlisle is suddenly
the owner of her parents' beautiful Iowa home,
two thousand sheep . . . and a huge debt that puts her
at the mercy of a scoundrel determined to take it
all the away. With barely a moment of hestation,
Susan heads for California to sell the sheep, and pay
the debt. Along the way she bravely faces the
hardships and excitement of the western trail,
and boldly ropes an American cowboy into
her scheme . . . and into her heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A 14-year-old heroine walks with her sheep from Iowa to California in 1851 in hopes of repaying her late father's debts. "The book's lighthearted, gun-toting tone is sustained at the cost of real character development," said PW. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9 The story of 14-year-old orphan Susan D. Carlisle and her attempt to foil a villain who has placed a lien on her entire inheritance for a debt of her father's. Susan and her guardian, Indian Myrt Dessery, hire drover Burt Pettit and his absurd crew to drive a herd of sheep that are in her name to California to feed the Forty-Niners. A French-speaking black Moroccan and the "original cowboy" Clay B. Carmer, Susan's hero, are the most notable characters. After getting enough moneypartly from the sale of the sheep and partly from gamblingSusan heads home but not in time to meet her deadline. She eventually receives a sort of "love" letter from Clay and heads for New Mexico and perhaps marriage. Walking Up a Rainbow is almost exciting and funny, but it falls short. The characters don't quite come alive; the humor isn't quite light enough; the adventures are too serious for the plot (Susan is almost raped at Independence Rock). Susan narrates parts One and Three, and Carmer narrates the middle section, a technique that is somewhat confusing. Also, the story's mood lapses occasionally with explanations "For those of you not familiar with history. . . ." In the book's favor are its realistic descriptions of life on a sheep drive and especially the trip by sea from California down to Panama, overland to the Gulf and home via the Mississippi. Enjoyable despite its flaws. Dorcas Hand, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380725924
• ISBN-13: 978-0380725922
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,180,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Theodore Taylor has written several award-winning books. The Cay won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award and was also made into a movie.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An nonstop thrill that takes you back to the old western day, July 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Walking Up a Rainbow (Avon Flare Book) (Paperback)

I think that Walking Up a Rainbow is a very good book.It was an excellent story of a young girl as she faces the dangers and wonders of the western trail.It has a lot of excitment in it and the charaters are fantastic!You have not afraid of anything,won't be stopped by anyone,this is my home I'm going to defend it Susan and the outgoing yet careful,out for new ideas Mrs.Dessery.While all of the action is happening you also have a love story in the makings.The brillant Clay who saves the day more than once.I just think that it is a great book and I strongly suggest you take time and read it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reader from Northwest USA, July 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Walking Up a Rainbow (Avon Flare Book) (Paperback)

"Walking Up A Rainbow" is one of my favorite books--I read it a day within checking it out of the library. I bought it a month later, and it sits by my bed with all my other favorite books. I know it is meant for 13-15 year old readers, but I'm 17 and loved it, and my mother also loved it. Susan is a great heroine and the ending is wonderful...I encourage everyone to buy this book if they see it. After reading it I'm sure you'll want to go on a cross-country adventure, too! Great historical facts, also.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great story of a young girl trying to save her home!, August 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Walking Up a Rainbow (Avon Flare Book) (Paperback)

Susan a young girl who's parents have died in a buggie accident struggled to get money from selling her sheep in california to pay back the debt on her house and the land.