(3) 1-3 Ready-for-Chapters: Brave Kids series. Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger. Hazelle, who has been living in a New York City orphanage, suddenly finds herself on a train to Texas to be placed with a family. Based on a real-life orphan-train rider, this fictional account typifies the experiences of many orphans at the turn of the century. Gentle black-and-white illustrations and a thorough afterword enhance the book. Reading list.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(3) 1-3 Ready-for-Chapters: Brave Kids series. Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger. Based on the experiences of a real twelve-year-old drummer boy in the Union Army, this is a fictionalized account of Robert's service during the Civil War. Robert runs away from home to volunteer for duty, ends up capturing a Confederate soldier, and much later is invited to the White House to meet President Lincoln. The black-and-white drawings add to the tale's drama. An author's note provides historical details. Reading list.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 1-3 Ready-for-Chapters: Brave Kids series. Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger. This story is based on an episode in the real Cora's memoirs about growing up on the Iowa prairie at the turn of the nineteenth century. While on their way to make a house call, Cora and her doctor father encounter a fast-spreading prairie fire and survive thanks to their courage and ingenuity. The accessible text is accompanied by soft black-and-white drawings. Bib.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee