West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi, New York to Idaho Territory, 1883 (Dear America)
Gr 4-8--Italian-American Teresa Viscardi and her family travel to the Idaho Territory along with a number of other Easterners to settle in a town aptly named Opportunity. Her diary begins on the train that will take them to the Dakota Territory where they must then buy wagons, oxen, and horses to transport them across the rugged landscape. Teresa struggles to understand her father's decision to move thousands of miles from the home she loves, admires her mother's strength and courage, and accepts her younger sister Netta's persistence in reading and writing in her diary. After suffering through sickness, the presence of Indians, her father's sudden silver fever, and Netta's subsequent death, Teresa finds solace and comfort in her family's ability to stay together. Reminiscent of a Willa Cather heroine, the girl is resourceful, strong-minded, and intelligent. Her coming-of-age is complete after she saves herself and her grandmother from thieves. Engaging, colorful characters abound. Teresa's last entry, in the epilogue dated 1952, speaks of the woman's contentment with her life and the peace she feels. It is addressed to Netta, Teresa's way of keeping her sister's memory alive. Excellent archival photos and notes enhance the presentation of this historical novel.Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NYCopyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.