Book Review: Trail of Thread

Title: Trail of Thread
Author: Linda Hubalek
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: Butterfield Books (September 1, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781886652064
ISBN-13: 978-1886652064

I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest review.

Synopsis:
In this first book of the Trail of Thread series, in the form of letters she wrote on the journey, Deborah Pieratt describes the scenery, the everyday events on the trail, and the task of taking care of her family. Stories of humor and despair, along with her ongoing remarks about camping, cooking, and quilting, make you feel as if you pulled up stakes and are traveling with the Pieratts, too. This series is based on author Linda K. Hubalek's ancestors that traveled from Kentucky to Kansas in 1854. Besides the history of the times, Hubalek weaves quilting facts and quilt pattern sketches in her book series.




About the Author:

In sixth grade we had to write a paper on what we wanted to do when we grew up. My mom had kept it and I found this paper while cleaning through my closet during my college days. According to my dreams back then, I wanted to be a farmer, but my last line was "but alas, girls can't be farmers."

Well, I got my Bachelors Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture from Kansas State University, did agronomy research for years before starting a wholesale horticulture business. My company, Prairie Flower Creations, grew and dried flowers, ornamental corn, and mini pumpkins for the florist trade.

In 1990 I was featured in Country Woman Magazine, but at the same time, my husband's job was transferred to California. I sold my business and tried to cope, growing flowers and pumpkins in five-gallon buckets on our "cement lawn".

I started writing about the family and farmland I was homesick for and started a new career, writing about women ancestors who had moved to the new state of Kansas and farmed its land.

We eventually moved back to Kansas, bought land next to my family, raised buffalo, and I have a garden again. So not only have I fulfilled my dream to be a farmer, I've written about past and present women that have also tilled the prairie land of Kansas.

Please read and enjoy my book series which are about the family that homestead our family farm, and my ancestors that homesteaded in Kansas in the 1800s.

Considered historical fiction, these quality paperback books are age appropriate for everyone from age 9 to 99. Book, quilt, and Scandinavian gift shops sell them (or ask your local store to stock them for you) and schools use them in class studies to portray early pioneer and Kansas history.

My writing time most days is spent on the computer with marketing my businesses, but I am also working on the next book series.

Until my next book is available, you can read my current postings on my weekly newsletter to keep in touch with me, the buffalo herd, and the Kansas farming seasons. Sign up at www.BisonFarm.com.

Welcome to my Kansas prairie!



My review:
I am a history buff and love books that give details of past lives. The book is written as an epistolary novel from a daughter to her mother. It describes the daughter's journey as she is traversing from Kentucky to Kansas. It is written with a very real quality that gives the reader a visual of what is happening on the journey and places the reader along the trail as the family camps, eats, and shares the experience. Although the book is written for the younger reader, (ages 9-12) I think the book would be enjoyable for any age and will bring about a love for wanting to discover the past. It brings the reader into the world that is taking place and does not give boring details-in the vein of history books used in schools today. The book makes it interesting and lively and a great selection to read along with your children. The selection is the first in a series of books that will follow the journey west and I can't wait to read the next installment.