The few illustrations that do appear are very plain and straightforward drawings in black and white. The author does give very detailed descriptions of the historical setting and physical environment that produce clear and distinct images in the minds of readers. In that regard the book proves to be very much historically conscious, giving readers a good insight of common attitudes and perceptions among ordinary Americans trying to make a life for themselves in the unsettled “west.” He was honored as the man who led the victory against the British in the revolutionary war, commanding great respect in the eyes of American soldiers and civilians alike. True to the historical circumstances, Washington was depicted in the story as a man that people deeply revered and admired as the venerable leader of the new nation. The most interesting part of the story is probably when George Washington, the first President of the United States himself, makes an appearance at the end of the story. Like any 10 year old child would, Ann longed for the company of the relatives and friends she left behind. There is not a lot of action or sensationalistic drama, but the book happily offers a historically accurate portrayal of a young girl’s experience moving west with her family.

In fact, the historical accuracy is probably the book’s most outstanding strength. It depicts the loneliness and hardships of pioneer life, when many Americans were slowly starting to move west to make a life and to build the country that we know today. The book is very realistic, down to earth, and presents the historical context and events in a very accurate way. Show More revolves around the life of a 10-year-old girl named Ann Hamilton who moves from Gettysburg Pennsylvania to the “Western Country” with her family, far away from the comforts of “civilization” in the eastern side of the infant yet growing United States.

The cabin faced west by jean fritz