Ellen Elizabeth Hawkins: Texas 1886 (American Diaries) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-7--Living on an isolated Texas cattle ranch, Ellen, 12, aspires to be a rancher in spite of the inappropriateness of the choice for a woman of her time, as well as her father's disapproval. Drought conditions in the summer of 1886 set the stage for Ellen to prove that she is, indeed, capable of the challenges and hardships of ranching. Duey constructs a taut adventure in which the girl must conceive of a way to rescue her grandfather, seriously injured in a fall from a windmill while her father is away; secure the windmill blade; and drive many thirsty cattle back into the pastures. Each of the rapid-fire decisions she makes weighs heavily on her conscience as she reflects on what her father would have done. Undaunted, Ellen proves her love for her grandfather and for their ranch, which are the driving factors in her grit and determination to persevere against almost overwhelming odds. The author uses many details in describing life on the ranch, including terms such as "riata" and "latigo"; but, more importantly, she relates Ellen's keen sense of animal behavior in working with the horses and cattle. This satisfying story about a resourceful heroine will work well for historical fiction units.

Sylvia V. Meisner, Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC

Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

In Texas in 1886, Ellen finds her desire to be a cattle rancher discouraged by family members who do not think it a proper choice for a girl, but she proves her worth when drought threatens the ranch.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689814097
• ISBN-13: 978-0689814099
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,467,602 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book!, November 13, 1997

By A Customer

Ellen is a 12 year old girl growing up on a ranch in Texas. Her Father is gone and her Grandpa is hurt. Everything seems to be going wrong, the windmill is broken and the herd is thirsty. But that doesn't stop Ellen! She proves herself a true rancher by saving the day!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, November 11, 1997

By A Customer

Ellen Elizabeth Hawkins lives on a ranch in 1886 Texas. She wants to be a cattle rancher when she grows up but her father and grandfather don't think that a girl can run a ranch. When her father is away during a drought and her grandfather is hurt Ellen proves herself to her father and grandfather.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book about a confident girl in the old west., November 6, 1997

By A Customer

This is a great story about a girl in the old west, Texas. She's a strong, confident girl. She thinks she can be a rancher when she grows up, and the story is about how she proves herself to everyone around her. They don't think a girl can be a "cowboy". Hah!