If you’re looking for a great family read aloud this summer season, this book won our hearts! I don’t know how I didn’t come across the adventures of Caddie Woodlawn sooner over the years, but am so happy we found this and shared in reading it together as a family. All the kids, even my 11-year-old, were drawn in to this classic story.
Caddie Woodlawn is a true adventurer. Her courageous, charismatic, down to earth spirit is contagious. Caddie’s story is special because it’s based on the life of the author, Carol Ryrie Brink’s grandmother, the real Caddie Woodlawn. Caddie is a headstrong pioneer girl from Wisconsin who along with her siblings moves from one thrilling adventure to the next. She’d rather hunt than sew, plow than bake, and bravely befriends the Native American Dakota tribe defusing a potentially deadly conflict with the settlers. Caddie’s story and family life is truly inspiring and uplifting.
One of my favorite theme’s of the book is Caddie’s relationship with her father and her struggle to fit into the confined expectations of what it means to be a woman. Her relationship with her father is extremely touching. He encourages her to be wild and free and to figure out her path in life.
“A woman’s work is something fine and noble to grow up to, an it is just as important as a man’s. But no man could ever do it so well. I don’t want you to be the silly, affected person with fine clothes and manners whom folks sometimes call a lady. No, that is not what I want for you, my little girl. I want you to be a woman with a wise and understanding heart, healthy in body and honest in mind.”
Caddie Woodlawn
For those that homeschool there are so many historical events in this book that you can explore further with your children; the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, Slavery, Native Americans of the West, Pioneers of the West and many more. For further reading and projects we’ve used the books below as great resources and inspiration.
I hope you enjoy this award winning book as much as we did! Here’s to reading together and inspiring our children through history!
“Families – they’re our link to forever, lass.”
Caddie Woodlawn
Be The Route 