Next Spring an Oriole

“Historical fiction at an easy level is hard to find, and this pioneerstory, narrated by 10-year-old Libby Mitchell on her journey from Virginia toMichigan in 1837, is smoothly written and appealing. The wagon trail is noteasy, and Whelan is careful to include a taste of the hardships. She’s alsocareful in her presentation of the Potawatomi Indians, who figure in the storywhen the Mitchells nurse one of their own children back to health. The story, though brief, is well developed.”– “Bulletin, Center for Children’s Books. “