The Misadventures of Maude March, written by Audrey Couloumbis is a western adventure book for teens and we review it right here!
oTitle: The Misadventures of Maude March
Author: Audrey Couloumbis
Ages: 10+
Rating:
Long gone are the days of setting up homesteads in the wide open prairies and lone sheriffs roping up the bad guys on dusty ghost town roads. But that doesn't mean you can't relive the magic and adventure of the Wild West. Check out Kidzworld's review of The Misadventures of Maude March.
Trouble Rides a Fast Horse
This western adventure follows eleven year-old Sallie March and her older sister Maude who have been orphaned for a second time when their Aunt Ruthie is killed by a stray bullet. The girls are taken in by the town's reverend and his wife, who soon set the girls to work around the house - taking care of their kids, washing, baking, canning - you name it, Sallie and Maude did it. As if being treated like slaves wasn't bad enough, suddenly old Mr. Wilburn is being invited over on a regular basis in hopes of marrying Maude off to him. The girls finally have had enough and decide to steal away in the night in search of their last remaining relative, an uncle living in Independence, Missouri.
Wild West Adventure
Two young girls headed off into the wild frontier isn't the smartest plan in the world, but Sallie and Maude didn't see an alternative. So, to make their travels easier, they chop off all their hair, dress in boys clothes and adopt new names. It's not long before they meet up with a fellow fugitive, who just happens to be the same man who shot their aunt. The one and only Joe Harden, the dime-novel hero Sallie is always reading about. The girls come to know Joe (who's name is actually Marion Hardly) and ride on with him throughout their journey. But, despite Maude's lady-like demeanor and extreme sense of honesty, stories begin to crop up in newspapers everywhere about her law-breaking and apparent insanity. Soon, an unshakeable reputation begins to follow Sallie and Mad Maude March and the further they go, the more trouble they seem to get into!
Real Girl Power
At a time when most female role models are wearing half tops and stilettos, The Misadventures of Maude March brings a refreshing change to the girl power scene. Both Sallie and Maude are incredibly strong-willed and the perils they face would seem impossible to overcome by many of us. They travel for weeks on horseback through the heat, the rain, snow - all the while with the law on their tail. With Sallie's dime-novel expertise and Maude's sharp-shot, they manage to always find shelter, avoid the venomous bite of the rattlesnake and russle up grub.
The Bottom Line
The Misadventures of Maude March is a must-read - not only for girls, but boys too. These two unlikely heroes tell an impressive tale of survival that is gripping the whole way through. Sallie narrates the book and tells it in a way that is really funny and mesmerizing. A great read for anyone looking for a little more adventure in their lives!
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