Silver Dollar Girl
Grade 3-6-It has been over a year since 12-year-old Valentine Harper's father went to Colorado in 1885 hoping to strike silver, and she has grown tired of waiting for him to send for her. Though her aunt treats her nicely, her uncle is resentful of having an extra person in the house, and her nasty cousin plays increasingly mean pranks on her. After finding five gold coins hidden in a doll her father sent her, she decides to venture out West and find him. Disguised as a boy, she begins a journey that will test her courage and open her eyes to a whole new world. Vallie maintains her disguise upon arriving in Aspen, takes a job at a local caf?, and begins the arduous task of finding her father. The protagonist is a likable heroine who leaves the confines of a comfortable Victorian lifestyle and discovers the ruggedness and rough lifestyle of a Western boomtown. The carefully orchestrated chapters and the fast pace will hold children's attention throughout. Vallie's courageous journey of self-awareness and self-reliance is one readers will enjoy sharing.Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NYCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.