(4) 4-6 American Adventures series. Illustrated by Bert Dodson. This sequel to Luke: 1849--On the Golden Trail finds the young Iowan aboard a clipper ship bound for California's gold fields. Predictable adventures (shark attacks, pirate chases) and an engaging, albeit formulaic, mystery (a cabin boy turns out to be a runaway girl) make for navigable historical fiction. An author's note describes clipper ship travel in the 1850s.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 American Adventures series. Illustrated by Bert Dodson. In this second story about Joseph, the Civil War is rapidly encroaching on Brandon Mills, Kentucky. The divided loyalties of the town's citizens are demonstrated when Joseph's stepfather takes an anti-slavery stand, loses his business, and is abducted by the local "Vengeance Committee." The fast-paced but familiar story is illustrated with scratchy line drawings. An author's note provides some historical background.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 American Adventures series. Illustrated by Bert Dodson. In this sequel to Thomas, the Bowden family moves to Pennsylvania and begins running an inn while Mr. Bowden fights in the Revolutionary War. A chance encounter at the inn causes Thomas to be kidnapped by Tory gunrunners, who eventually hand him over to Iroquois Indians. Despite a predictable story line, the plot moves quickly and many characters have a surprising measure of complexity.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta