We read about circuit riders who work as traveling ministers and only come into contact with parishioners in each town once or twice a year. In addition to the enjoyable adventures, the reader is also treated to a glimpse into pioneer life in the 1800s in Wisconsin. He even commented how much he was enjoying it. My 6y6m/Kindergarten son was so drawn in by this book that most nights I had to limit the reading time since he wasn't falling asleep as he did with other books. Certainly I have seen a parallel truth in my own life - much preferring the company of un-biased and non-judgmental people. Caddie's willingness to experience the world without succumbing to per-conceived notions is perhaps what makes her such an alluring character. The Woodlawn parents are much more open minded than their neighbors and have passed this stellar trait down to their children. Instead the friendly and almost fearless trio have numerous adventures, including crossing the river and fraternizing with the Indians in spite of the current pioneer's around the settlement having serious reservations about the proximity of the Native Americans. Because of some health problems when she was younger she is allowed to run free in the fresh air instead of practicing domesticity and stitching as her older sister and other girls her age do. Throughout the 275 pages that begin in 1864, when Caddie Woodlawn is eleven, we see snippets of her life, including her adventures with her two brothers, Tom (elder) and Warren (younger). The 24 chapters that follow are largely entertaining - but only mildly interesting. Supposedly there is even a park named in her honor that includes the homestead. Carol Ryrie Brink lived with Caddie Woodlawn from the age of eight, after the death of both her parents. Perhaps the most interesting part of this book for me was the Author's Note that precedes the story and explains that Caddie Woodlawn was Carol Ryrie Brink's grandmother.

Author of caddie woodlawn