This is a fantastic book to read in class. It teaches students to always keep hope, how to make new frineds, and also how to face a challenge with a smile. The illustrations do a great job at shwoing emotion on the charcaters face as well as showing the setting well! ( )

A story about a family lives in the Nebraska prairie. The central character in this story is Betsy, the young girl who wishes for a friend to play with in the wide farm. One day, Betsy’s father tells her about a new family who will come and live nearby. Betsy feels so excited when Mr. Fitzroy meets her and tells her that his daughter, Emmeline, is just about her age and she will come with his wife soon. When she knows about that, Betsy enthusiastically makes a doll made of corn husk as a present for her new friend. Emmeline, however, does not seem happy with the gift, which makes Betsy sad and her feelings hurt. She feels logging again after her mom’s explanation about Emmeline’s feeling and how it is difficult for her to move to a new place, “They are city folk. The need time to learn about live here, and they will need our help.” The colorful illustration provides good pictures and characteristics of prairie life, dress, and activities such as a husking bee. Young readers will enjoy reading this story about Betsy’s longing for a friend and how she helps her new friend to pass a hard time of adjusting to a new place. From this book, students will learn about the importance of having a good friend who can take your hand and be by your side anytime you need him. ( )

Genre: Historical fiction
This is a great example of historical fiction because even though the characters in this book are not real in real life the prairie life was very real. City girls just like Emmaline didn't feel comfortable or safe on the prairie at first but then slowly they got more comfortable with it. ( )