Water at the Blue Earth [Paperback]

Ann Howard Creel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

The story of an unlikely friendship, life on the frontier and how the protagonist, Wren, deals with complex issues and ultimately a crucial decision. Set in late 19th century Colorado, Water At the Blue Earth includes a little known yet very interesting chapter of Colorado's history.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?In 1854, 12-year-old Wren Taylor and her parents travel from Boston to her father's new medical post, Fort Massachusetts, in New Mexico territory. Unsure around other children, Wren gradually befriends Luther, a blind Ute sent to the fort's school to learn English. Together, the friends explore the territory, learning about one another's culture in the process. When tensions between the settlers and the Utes arise, the courageous Wren must decide where her true loyalties lie. The author provides an accurate, fair portrayal of white and Native American characters. A few historical facts have been rearranged for storytelling purposes, but the author has poured a lot of research into a simple telling. Prejudices of the time are incorporated, including the military caste system, but no characters are seen as right or wrong. Wren often seems older than her years, frequently foreshadowing events with her dire predictions. The Ute culture is sympathetically portrayed, although some readers may question the abilities shown by Luther. An easy, worthwhile read that's sure to start discussions of loyalty and the obligations of friendship.?Mary B. McCarthy, Windsor Severance Library District, CO
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 141 pages
• Publisher: Roberts Rinehart (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570982244
• ISBN-13: 978-1570982248
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,020,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ann Howard Creel is the author of eight published novels--four middle grade novels, three young adult, and one adult novel. Her children's books have won numerous awards, and her adult novel, The Magic of Ordinary Days, was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie for CBS.

Her interest in children's literature began as the mother of three, and her interest in ancient America was fueled when she lived and worked for two years on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Her favorite genre is historical fiction, but she loves to write contemporary stories as well. She lives in Colorado, where she is employed as a school nurse and enjoys the outdoor life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winner of 1999 Colorado Book Award, October 31, 1999

By 

Ann Creel (Denver, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Water at the Blue Earth (Paperback)

I am pleased to announce that Water At the Blue Earth has been awarded the 1999 Colorado Book Award, Young Adult category.

Water At the Blue Earth is the story of an unlikely friendship, life on the frontier and how the protagonist, Wren, deals with complex issues and ultimately a crucial decision. Set in late 19th century Colorado, Water At the Blue Earth includes a little known yet very interesting chapter of Colorado's history.

I hope readers will enjoy Wren's story.