Charlotte's Rose
Author A.E. Cannon
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Charlotte's Rose
A.E. Cannon
Wendy Lamb Books, 2002
Ideal for Young Adult
5 out of 5 Stars on Amazon.com
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Reviewed by Anna Stewart
Historical fiction books can run nearly a thousand pages, taking us through generations living in some significant point in history. But who has time for the legions of the Roman Empire? Where are the stories of the common daily life, the people who are unaware they are making history? The people just trying to get by?
Some of them can be found in an often overlooked genre, young adult fiction. Beginning with slavery in the classic Sounder by William H. Armstrong, exploring the effects of Columbus in Michael Dorris’s Morning Girl, and finding heroines in the pioneer days with Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink, these powerful books make history personal. Joining them is A.E. Cannon's Charlotte’s Rose, a new release about a 12-year-old girl, a motherless baby, and their journey to Salt Lake City as part of the Mormon migration in 1856. Held together by faith, the poor and hungry group pushed handcarts from Iowa City to Utah to join their community. Charlotte's outer quest is to carry the baby whose mother died in childbirth. Her pride makes her promise the grieving father that she can do it. But the walk is much harder than she expected, giving her a courageous rite-of-passage as she arrives in Utah a young woman.
The magic of young adult fiction is that the stories seem simple and predictable but the good ones, like Charlotte's Rose are much more than that. Cannon tells a compelling tale with clarity and insight. Her novel is grounded in solid research giving her characters authenticity and making the reader care about them. It's rich in details such as Charlotte's longing to read and write; the crowded tents with their strong smells and loud snores; and the way singing together inspires them. The historical significance supports the author's passion for the people and their journey. Cannon based her novel on her own family stories, including the tale of a young girl who carried a baby on her back all the way to Utah. The hearts of all readers will ache just like Charlotte’s heart does as she wrestles with the thought of having to give "her baby" back to her father. Experience the Mormon Trail from Charlotte's perspective- you'll remember the dust, the hunger, the singing, and the deep satisfaction of belonging.
Purchase Book on Amazon.com
Charlotte's Rose; $5.50
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