Rating: Very Good
Author Sandin has done her research for this educational and mildly entertaining early reader story. The story actually taught me a lot about the Swedish immigrants of the mid-19th century. That being said, I would consider this more of an interesting and educational book than an entertaining one for young readers. Unless the child is particularly fascinated by lifestyles very different than their own, they may grow weary of Carl Erik's daily life within his new American colony. The story moves at a nice quick pace, but Carl Erik does not really DO much besides go to school and worry about being the "man of the family." Overall, I would recommend this story more to adults or children who are interested in the time period and do not particularly expect an exciting story.
Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library
