The story is nicely told and the illustrations are beautifully done, but there are details that concern me from a historical point-of-view. Where do they find logs big enough for the walls of a cabin on the prairie? Instead the author should have had them build a sod house. Also, there would not be room to ride in the wagon or to sleep in it. It would be too crammed with goods and food. Usually the children, except for very little ones, walked. The family slept outside. These were very narrow and cramped wagons.

I like this book Going West.

This book had the text adapted from Little House on the Prairie.

The family were Charles Ingalls the dad, her mom, Laura, Lauras sister Mary, Her baby sister Carrie & their good old bulldog named Jack.

So one long winter evening Pa tells Ma that he would take the family to live in the west. In the west there were not as many people, no trees, and the grass always grew thick and high.
So Pa sells the little house in the big woods and he sells the cow and calf too.
So the family has a long journey ahead of them.
So at the end of the book they find their way to another little house, a little house on the Western prairie.

This is a great book and I love it.

I hope everybody enjoys it.

This makes me think of being a cowboy on the west and have a western prairie in Calgary, Alberta.

This beautifully illustrated book nicely sums up "Little House in the Big Woods." The drawings are faithful in spirit to Garth Williams' originals, as the text is to Wilder's writing. For example, one page reads something like, one winter's night Pa told Ma he was taking the family out west. Definitely not PC for a husband to tell a wife what to do, but that's what Wilder wrote and that's what the author summarizes.

My daughter is two and I thought I would have to wait many years to share the Little House series with her. I'm glad to have this book to help us bide our time! She loves it, and this is one book I will happily read over and over to her.

I had the pleasure of not merely knowing Renee Mason, but actually being involved with many of the events described in this book. I am her nephew, and I was a participant in some of the school activities, family events, and special occaisions this book describes. This is not a how-to-homeschool book; rather, I think it is best described as one family's autobiography through the eyes of homeschooling. After a long struggle with cancer, the author went to be with her Lord on St. Patrick's Day, 2000, but she left behind her the legacy of eight homeschooled children, three of whom went "all the way through high school." She was blessed by God in her earthly roles as mother, wife, teacher, businesswoman, encourager, manager of people, follower of Christ, and student of life. Her efforts were centered around her family and the other people in her life. Even during her last days, she did interviews from her hospital bed on national radio to promote her book and encourage homeschoolers everywhere. Her spirit is spread throughout this book. The text was written not only by Renee Mason, but numerous sections were written by other family members as well. It is not a smooth prose from the hand of a literary genius, but rather out of each section emerges the personality of its writer - each piece of the book sounds like the person who wrote it. Because of that, this book feels down to earth, normal, and natural, and gives the reader a sense of actually being a part of what's written. If you are a homeschooler or a person just interested in the subject, I recommend this book to you. Unlike other books on this topic, Home-Schooling All the Way Through High School is not a reference for step-by-step instructions on what to do to begin and finish homeschooling. Instead, it is a book that will give you insight into and a true feel for the day-to-day life of one family through the lenses of homeschooling.

This was an absolutely wonderful book to read. I would definitely recommend it. The entire book was inspiring and had me "all choked up" on several occasions. The Mason childrens'contributions to the book made it all the more endearing. If your feeling a little frustrated with your homeschool, are fresh out of ideas, or just need a little "pick me up", this book is definitely for you! God Bless Renee Mason for listening to God and sharing her life with us!

This is an awesome book that every new or old homeschooler should read. It is a story of the lives of one homeschooling family that has been through start to finish, and has the former and present students to prove the greatness of homeschooling. It is an easy read book that even the most busy mom or dad can take the time to read. It gives great examples for your own homeschooling venture, and great encouragement to people that are just starting or vetern homeschoolers. anyone in the homeschooling movement that knew Renee Mason, knew what a great example she was to them, and the powerful influence she had on the homeschooling movement.

This book teaches you that you can be friends with people even if they speak another language. I've read every Kirsten book and this is one of the best!

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kirsten Larson, a nine-year-old girl from Sweden, whose family has moved to frontier Minnesota of 1854. In this episode, Kirsten begins school. As she struggles to learn her lessons in a new language, she makes a new friend, Singing Bird, an Indian girl of about Kirsten's age.

This is another lesson in friendship and hard work, one masterfully told. Again, Renee Graef's illustrations are plentiful, and of a perfect style for the story. My nine-year-old daughter loves this wonderful book, and so do I.

This is a sweet tale about a little pioneer girl named Kirsten who is a Swedish immigrant and has a little difficulty speaking English- which gets trouble from her tough teacher. Things worsen as the teacher moves in with her aunt and uncle who Kirsten's family lives near and eats supper with every night. Kirsten finds her solace by running into the woods to play with her secret friend, a young Indian girl named Singing Bird. Everything in this book is great- from the stern but kindly teacher, to the friendship with the Indian girl.

If you or your child has already read the American Girls book "Kirsten Learns a Lesson", you know that Kirsten has befriended an Indian girl named Singing Bird. In that story, Kirsten was ordered not to play with Singing bird any longer. Singing Bird leaves. In this new short story, which forst appeared in American Girl magazine, Singing Bird is back. Kirsten wants to see her, but cannot break her rules. Can she and Singing Bird meet again and keep their friendship a secret or will everything fall apart? Kirsten learns another lesson in this great book for little girls.

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kirsten Larson, a nine-year-old girl from Sweden, whose family has moved to frontier Minnesota of 1854. In this book, Kirsten's American Indian friend, Singing Bird, returns. Almost immediately disaster strikes, when Kirsten's secret friendship is discovered, and her mother orders Kirsten to never see Singing Bird again. However, when Kirsten's brother Peter gets lost in the woods, Kirsten turns to a friend who can help when others can't. It proves a chance for the whole family to learn a lesson.

As an added bonus, this book contains a chapter on the Sioux Indians, and instructions on making a charm bag. I never ceased to be amazed at the quality of the American Girls books. With wonderful illustration, the book tells a great story that teaches a valuable lesson. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with a young daughter. My daughter and I both love these books!

[For those parents interested in reading historical fiction about Swedish immigrants, please consider reading The Emigrants series by Vilhelm Moberg.]

Kirsten on the Trail is a good story for early readers and children who can hold their attention to a twenty minute story.

This is the tale of frontier life and the interaction of a pioneer girl and her indian friend of the same age. Theirs is a secrete relationship -- history has told their parents to be wary of each other and they are forbidden to play together.

The disappearance of Kirsten's younger brother and his rescue by Kirsten's indian friend allows the parents of the pioneer girl to accept the the innate goodness of a child from a different culture. This book introduces pioneer life, the clash of indian and pioneer cultures and the acceptance of difference to young readers. Its a story my kids like.

I disagree strongly with the Booklist reviewer's opinion of Renee Flower's illustrations. The illustrations are indeed bright, but they are fun, unique and a refreshing departure from the usual fine art style, museum-quality paintings (read: dull) that grace the pages of one too many children's books. Rather than detracting from the poems, they enhance the quality of the book by capturing the mood and spirit of each poem. All too often, children's books are serious, stodgy things. Flower's illustrations are extraordinarily fun, and so is this book.

So glad I discovered this book for my 3rd graders... great for the first week of school. We found all the describing words and one student noticed the "Picasso" illustrations! Lots of similes -- which of course we found as well. Really a DARLING book...

I am the illustrator of this book. It was selected for inclusion in Bank Street College Children's Books of the Year, 1997, and also Pick of the Lists (1996) American Bookseller Magazine. It is very popular with visitors to my studio. If you are visiting Mill Valley, California, please visit Susan Cummins Gallery to see more of my work. Thank You Amazon for making it possible to search for books by the illustrator's name. It has not possible to do this at my local bookstores.

Renee has written a very powerful book, done things few can imagine but she still comes across as a narcissistic person, no matter what her genitalia. I admire Renee for her courage in doing some of the things she's done, her ability as a surgeon, her ability as a tennis player and much more.

It's a good historical narrative of a time in transgender history that is fading into the past.

I first read this book in the early 1980's. It is a book that was ahead of it's time on the subject of gender identification. The book is an autobiography and the author conveys her story in an intensely personal, yet well written manner. I remember being unable to put it down. I am not gender dysphoric, however the struggles and triumphs of the author are easily shared by anyone who is, or has ever been close to someone who is "different." I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a good story or the issues mentioned.

As a post-operative Transsexual Woman this book brought tears to my eyes at times as I shared in some of the authors experiences. I couldn't put it down until I finished the book, then I read it again.

I must confess, I am a Regency fanatic. I love the whole prim and proper tone of a well-done Jane Austen type romance. I really am not a huge fan of Westerns...BUT, Extreme Measures was so enthralling and the characters so compelling that I have become a bit of a convert.

The sizzling relationship between Andre and Faith keeps you turning the page. These characters have such heart that it is easy to fall in love with them.

Renee Halverson should be utterly commended for a fantastic first effort. I look forward to reading another of her westerns, truly!

In 1879 Denver at the Dancing Belles Saloon, Andre Du Bois realizes how Faith O'Malley cheated at cards. He takes her into his office threatening to turn her over to the law. Faith escapes with the two thousand dollars. That night Andre looked for Faith, but failed to find her. The next morning he sees her coming out of the bank. Andre forces Faith to work as a dealer at his saloon to pay off the money he insists she stole. She agrees to his terms.

Unbeknownst to Andre, who believes Faith wants to open up a brothel, she needed the money to pay the bank on a loan she had on Heart House, an orphanage she runs for the chidlren of whores. As Faith and Andre become acquainted they fall in love. However, he believes she is just like his missing wife Pearl who stole a fortune from him while she feels he could never accept the daughter of a prostitute let alone her running of Heart House.

Though there is an overuse of coincidental meetings, the story line absorbs the reader as the era comes alive through the actions of the lead couple. The support cast augments the plot as the audience learns about the plight of the children and the ailing prostitutes. Fans of western Americana romances will fully appreciate Renee Halverson's debut as EXTREME MEASURES renders plenty of enjoyment.

Harriet Klausner

Renee Halvorsen has reinvented the historical romance. The result of her efforts is a delightful read that is certainly not the "same old / same old" storyline.

I'm not particularly a fan of westerns, but this story is an exception and it really isn't a "true" western in that there isn't a cowboy on his horse or a remote ranch in the entire story. We are set in 1879 Denver, and seeing what town life might have been like at that time.

Also, the professions of the hero / heroine are also refreshingly new. Andre DuBois - a hero to fall in love with - is the owner of a classy saloon. Faith O'Malley - a heroine we constantly cheer - is the keeper of an unusual orphanage. She is no Mother Theresa though raising the children of prostitutes and willing to go into the "gray zone" to get what the children need.

The opening and closing are riveting, and every page in between will keep you caught up in the story. I see many secondary characters as well that I hope will get their own story in the future.

Read this and remember the name Renee Halvorsen. She won the right to publish this book in the Dorchester New Historical Voice Contest and I think we are going to see her name a lot in the future on book covers.

Wouldn't it be fun to be able to say "I read her first book" in the future?

Anna

This book was ok, but since they have dolls and everything of Kirsten you want to make up your own plot on her life. You think what Shaw has said is 'wrong'.

My 8-year-old absolutely loves these stories. She can't wait to get to the next one and they help her to see what life was like in Kirsten's time (late 1800's). Your little girl will love them, and I love that there is absolutely NO questionable material in these books. I don't have to worry about questionable material or boy crazy stuff that my daughter is too young to deal with yet!

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kirsten Larson, a nine-year-old girl from Sweden, whose family has moved to frontier Minnesota of 1854. Kirsten's first Fourth of July is coming up, and her family will be going into town. There are many things they need, and everyone hopes that they can raise enough money to buy them. A miracle seems to beacon to Kirsten when she discovers a bee tree brimming with sweet (and valuable) honey. When she decides that she need not inform her parents, that she and her little brother can collect the honey, she learns a valuable and potentially fatal lesson.

Once again, Janet Shaw produces a wonderfully entertaining story, with a valuable lesson. Such wonderful stories, with such excellent illustrations! This is an excellent book, and a worthwhile addition to your library.

[For those parents interested in reading historical fiction about Swedish immigrants, please consider reading The Emigrants series by Vilhelm Moberg.]

I enjoyed the repackaging of the old Laura and Nellie stories. This would work for readers not advanced enough to read the original (which is still superior)

This is a really good book. I like the part where Laura takes the crab out of the creek and it chases Nellie. Nellie is such a snob.

I loved the TV show Little House when I was growing up but don't get to watch it very much now. I'd like my little girl to enjoy it as well. Through the chapter books, she can. My daughter is only 6 but can enjoy me reading the chapter books to her. Laura and Nellie was the first one we read. We also loved Animal Adventures.

This is a good way to give your kids a taste of the Little House on the Prairie that they can read themselves. Easy to read and a delightful story. Soft watercolored pictures throughout the story. I recommend this series to get your child reading.

My students are learning English and American culture. They learn to read these books and are highly motivated because the television show mirrors the books so closely. They can go on to read the real little house on the prarie books and enjoy them.

Life in the "Little House" days is so different from my own kids' suburban lives that they are fascinated by this series. The reviewer who wrote that these are a poor substitute for the real thing is wrong. These are a great introduction for kids to these books, help them get a historical perspective of earlier American life, and will wet their appetite to read the original Little House books when they are old enough.