Ann Edwards Cannon

Moving west in the year 1856, Charlotte stays with her Mormon community. They push and pull their hand carts to their land of Zion in Utah. This spunky 13 year old declared that she would take a newborn, deserted by her grieving father, all the way to the promised land.

Told in her perspective, she gives the history of this north western trek a face to remember.

Although not a favorite of my boys, they did persevere this girl's struggles and lessons.
She finds that most have joined this Mormon group during personal hardship. They were then dedicated to their community for life, in spite of its controlling rules.

A good history lesson written for 4-7th graders. Gave thoughts to discuss further.
… (meer)

Jake is worried about taking care of Sophie's fish for the weekend. He begins to make up scenarios of how everything will go wrong and how he knows nothing about fishes. He even thinks of telling Sophie that he won't take care of her fish. When Sophia comes he feels less nervous and thinks " how hard can it be" Sophie explains how he only has to feed him twice a day and that's it. Jake thinks it'll be easy until he sees the huge fish. I think this is a cute funny story anyone will enjoy. It reminded me of how we overthink situations sometimes that we really don't have to even worry about.… (meer)