I consider this to be a western because it touches on the various aspects of the traditional western (cattle drive, gun fights, etc.). The story is told by a 14-year old girl living in Ft. Worth, TX, when it was fairly large and growing. One of the best aspects of the story is that the author weaves fiction and nonfiction together to make a plausible tale. Real life individuals populate the story and create tension and resolution. The narrative moves quickly, with more low-key action than many westerns, but still interesting. There is less of the solitary male pitting himself against natural and human forces to make his mark and survive, and more of the feminine "civilizing" of Ft. Worth by a strong female character. ( )