BOOK BRIEF

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

Karen Cushman
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The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002

Book Brief

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Karen Cushman

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

185

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure

Children`s Literature
Setting

California • 1850s

Theme
Family
Topic
World History

US History
Publication Year

2002

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1030L

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Super Short Summary

In The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman, a girl relocates with her family to a California mining town during the Gold Rush. Struggling with her new reality, she navigates the challenges and opportunities of frontier life, ultimately discovering her resilience and sense of belonging in the evolving American West.

Adventurous

Emotional

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

2,844 ratings

63%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman receives praise for its engaging historical setting and strong character development. Readers appreciate Lucy's relatable journey of self-discovery. However, some critique the slow pacing. Overall, the novel effectively portrays the challenges and adventures of 19th-century life with humor and heart.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ballad of Lucy Whipple?

Readers who enjoy Little House on the Prairie or Island of the Blue Dolphins will appreciate The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. This book appeals to those interested in historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and coming-of-age tales set in the transformative period of the California Gold Rush.

4.1

2,844 ratings

63%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

185

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure

Children`s Literature
Setting

California • 1850s

Theme
Family
Topic
World History

US History
Publication Year

2002

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1030L

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