Adaline Falling Star
176
Novel • Fiction
Western United States • 1840s
1999
Middle grade
9-12 years
Adaline Falling Star by Mary Pope Osborne follows Adaline, the mixed-race daughter of frontiersman Kit Carson, grappling with her Native and white heritage. After losing her mother to cholera and being mistreated by bigoted relatives in St. Louis, Adaline runs away to find her father. The story explores themes of identity, survival, and belonging, emphasizing her resilience and resourcefulness. The book includes instances of racism, discrimination, and self-harm.
Melancholic
Emotional
Adventurous
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
593 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mary Pope Osborne's Adaline Falling Star captivates readers with its vivid historical setting and a strong, relatable protagonist. Critics praise its rich descriptions and emotional depth. Some, however, find the pacing slow and the complex themes challenging for younger readers. Overall, it offers an engaging glimpse into a young girl's resilience and the 19th-century American frontier.
A reader who would enjoy Mary Pope Osborne's Adaline Falling Star is typically aged 9-12, captivated by historical fiction with strong, young female protagonists. Comparable books include Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell and Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. This audience appreciates adventure, resilience, and cultural depth.
593 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
Western United States • 1840s
1999
Middle grade
9-12 years
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