For those who liked Little House on the Prairie or Sarah Plain and Tall, I highly recommend checking out this title. Set in rural Colorado in 1925, 14 year old Ida Bidson attends a one room school house with 7 other children and plans to attend high school in the fall. Ida is an excellent student and wants nothing more than to be a teacher when she grows up. But when her teacher needs to leave 3 months before the end of the school year and the school is slatted to be shut down, Ida's plans are in jeopardy. It also means the other students will not finish their current grade level. When she complains to the head of the school board about her dilemma, he tells her "I'm not so sure a girl needs a high school education."
Just when Ida begins to despair over her future, her good friend Tom suggests that she should take over the teachers position - secretly of course, as she is not certified. In a unanimous vote, the students agree to let Ida take over. Will they manage to keep this unusual set-up a secret? Will Ida and Tom be able to pass their exit exams? How will Ida teach, help her family with farm chores and keep up her own studies? This ambitious plan puts a great deal of pressure on Ida.
I was impressed by the positive virtues that are powerfully displayed in a very simple, but engaging story. For this poor community, the importance of education means a better future and opportunities that would not exist at this time in history otherwise. It's not all serious either, I especially liked the entertaining drive to school each day with Ida and her brother Felix in a model T Ford. Ida is only 4'11" and cannot reach the floor of the vehicle, so she controls the steering wheel while her younger brother is hunched down on the floor working the clutch and brakes. Ida shouts directions to Felix, while the old windowless car backfires its way to school and back. A fun easy read.
Recommended for grades 4-7.
No comments:
Post a Comment