Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express: (I Can Read Book Series: Level 3) ANNOTATION
Sixteen-year-old Bill finds adventure when he becomes a rider for the Pony Express (though his letters home never hint at the dangers he encounters).
FROM THE PUBLISHER
In 1957, Harper published its first I Can Read title, Little Bear, written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Large type, simple vocabulary, chapter-like divisions, and decorative pictures made Little Bear perfect for emerging readersﾽthey could read the story comfortably and not feel overwhelmed by the text. Following suit came such classics as Peggy Parish's Amelia Bedelia series, Lillian Hoban's books about Arthur the monkey, and Syd Hoff's popular Danny and the Dinosaur. Many books in this series are special in the depth of emotion evoked - Little Bear, the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, and Danielﾽs Duck by Clyde Bulla, to name a few - and all are enjoyed by children of all ages. Grade 2 - Grade 4.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot
Fast paced adventure told in a style that will keep kids turning the pages. Bill Cody served as a Pony Express rider at the tender age of fifteen, but he was brave and clever, outwitting Indians, wolves and outlaws. They are bright and bold and enhance the story. Unfortunately, there is an apparent error in the episode titled "The Chase" which has Cody traveling seventy-five additional miles when a sick rider can't take up the mail, but ending up in the same place he started. 1996 (orig.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3This easy reader relates the adventures of 16-year-old Bill Cody as he goes to work for the Pony Express. He is chased by thieves, caught in terrible weather, and stalked by wolves, none of which are mentioned in his letters home. The story is fast paced, exciting, and filled with terrific illustrations. Bolognese's use of heavy black outlined figures, often surrounded only by a large expanse of white page, is very effective. Unfortunately, a serious error appears. Bill travels from Red Buttes to Three Crossings station. When he arrives, he's told that a rider is sick and he needs to ride an additional 75-mile stretch. The text then states that, ``Seven hours later, Bill made it to Three Crossings.'' Readers are bound to be perplexed by this statement and will be shuffling back through the pages to see what they missed. Too bad.Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID
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