A super-sweet (undoubtedly too sweet for some tastes), based-on-real-events story about a family that moves to Alaska as part of a New Deal program to help families. I think 4th-6th graders who are into pioneer and adventure stories might enjoy this novel. Though it may not be a big deal, the main character's full name - Terpsichore (pronounced Terp-sick-er-ee) - may be a stumbling block. I listened to the audiobook, and I felt like I had to listen to that long, cumbersome name at least once a minute - sometimes more. It became annoying. I wonder if a young reader would stumble over it. ( )

SPOILERS

I purchased this book some time ago, both because of the gorgeous cover and because it was recommended by a favourite booktuber. I read the whole book today in just 4 hours. I loved it!!

The main thrust of this story is of a family moving from Wisconsin to Alaska in 1935 under one of President Roosevelts new programs. This family is the Johnson family with parents Harald and Clio. Clio comes from a fairly wealthy family, and she was named after one of the Greek Muses. She actually named her 3 daughters after other Greek Muses as well.

Clio was reluctant to move to Alaska and she constantly kept talking about how much she wanted to move back to Wisconsin. That was the only negative part of the story I did not like. Clio had agreed to give the family 18 months to survive before returning home.

When the family first moved to Palmer, Alaska, they had to live in a tent, but after a telegram to Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt about how the babies were dying and how there was no doctors or hospital, things soon began happening. A hospital was built, and then a school, and eventually a new church.

The characters were very real to me, especially the oldest daughter Terpsichore. Many of the events that happened in this story were based on real events.

I gave this book 5 stars which I do for any books that I absolutely CANNOT put down!! ( )

Totally captivating story of the settlement of Palmer, Alaska. I read it aloud to my youngest son, and he honestly enjoyed it as much as I did. ( )

Great historical fiction set during the Great Depression and giving substance to a family impacted by Roosevelt's New Deal. See my full review over on Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2019/08/sweet-home-alaska-by-carole-estby-dagg.htm... ( )

This exciting pioneering story, based on actual events, introduces readers to a fascinating chapter in American history, when FDR set up a New Deal colony in Alaska to give loans and land to families struggling during the Great Depression.

Terpsichore can’t wait to follow in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s footsteps . . . now she just has to convince her mom. It’s 1934, and times are tough for their family. To make a fresh start, Terpsichore’s father signs up for President Roosevelt’s Palmer Colony project, uprooting them from Wisconsin to become pioneers in Alaska. Their new home is a bit of a shock—it’s a town still under construction in the middle of the wilderness, where the residents live in tents and share a community outhouse. But Terpsichore’s not about to let first impressions get in the way of this grand adventure. Tackling its many unique challenges with her can-do attitude, she starts making things happen to make Alaska seem more like home. Soon, she and her family are able to start settling in and enjoying their new surroundings—everyone except her mother, that is. So, in order to stay, Terpsichore hatches a plan to convince her that it’s a wonderful—and civilized—place to live . . . a plan that’s going to take all the love, energy, and Farmer Boy expertise Terpsichore can muster.