Historical Fiction
Bibliography
Cushman, Karen. 1996. THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE. New York, NY: HarpersCollins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-440684-9
Plot Summary
Lucy is very upset when her widowed mother decides to move the family from Massachusetts to a California mining town during the gold rush, 1849. While Lucy's mother tries to make a life for her family, Lucy plots and schemes to find a way to get to get to her "true home" Massachusetts.
Critical Analysis
This book starts off with a sentiment many readers can empathize with, "I was, sad, mad and feeling bad. The rocking wagon had upset my stomach, my bottom hurt from bouncing on the wooden seat, and my head ached from too much sun and too much emotion." It may not come from riding in a covered wagon but, what reader has not had one of those days where nothing feels right? Throughout the book the main character, Lucy (a.k.a. California), relates her historical situation in plain words the reader can understand and feel.
A crucial point of the text is the author's note at the end. The author's note includes facts that the narrative is built on. For example, "Indeed, I discovered an 1850 census that estimated ninety percent of those who came to California to search for gold were male. But what about the other ten percent? They were wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and sometimes women like Arvella Whipple (Lucy's mother) who came without a man." The author's note also includes a list of books the author found helpful in the construction of the story. This list would be a good place to start for any reader who wants to learn more.
This story is first and foremost, just that, a story, with believable characters, engaging dialog, and a setting that is clear in the readers mind; when readers learn a little history while reading an enticing story that is just a welcome bonus.
Review Excerpts
BOOKLIST: " Many readers will recognize their own dislocations in Lucy's reluctant adventure."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Lucy is no stranger to heartache yet she recounts her New England family's move to a California gold rush town with verve and wit. A rich historical novel. "
Connections
*As a group create a timeline for Lucy's typical day, then create a timeline for a child in the present day. Compare the two timelines. What is the same? What is different?
* Throughout the book Lucy wrote to her Gram and Grampop telling them about her life. Have children write a letter to a relative they don't see very often (some children may have to pretend) telling about their life.
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