Grade 4-8-Another worthy historical novel from the author of Red Cap (Lodestar, 1991). Here, Wisler offers an episodic account of the Wetherby's journey from Tennessee to Texas in 1852. Family relations between 12-year-old Jericho, his bossy sister, adventuresome older brother, and two younger brothers are well drawn and provide plenty of humor. While there is some suspense-Jericho rescues his dog from a train, and the family worries about the oncoming winter-there's little doubt that they will make it through. An afterword states that many details are taken from a pioneer's diary. The historical accuracy, as well as Jericho's slightly old-fashioned first-person narrative, create an authentic feel of time and place. There's nothing too deep here, but it's a good, lively read.
Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public Library

Stephanie Zvirin (c, Sept. 1, 1993 (Vol. 90, No. 1))
Drawing details for this pioneering saga from the diary of a nineteenth-century adventurer, Wisler, a veteran writer of historical fiction, takes readers back to the days when land was cheap and hard work made boys into men before they had even shaved. Jericho Wetherby yearns for adventure, so he is enchanted when his father decides the family should pull up its Tennessee stakes and relocate to Texas. In a lively, unassuming first-person narrative, Jericho relates a string of colorful happenings on the westward trail, acquainting readers with his memorable family (Dad, Mom, sharp-tongued sister Jane Mary, and brothers Jake, Jordy, and Josh) and vigorously depicting the circumstances that faced people who were intrepid enough to make the journey. Wisler fabricates a few tense encounters (and some humorous ones) along the way to add punch, but it will be the book's great local color and folksy, personable narrator (who is also on the road to growing up) that will carry readers along for the trip. Category: Middle Readers. 1993, Dutton/Lodestar, $13.99. Gr. 4-6.