Caddie Woodlawn

If your daughter likes the "Little House on the Prairie" series she will love "Caddie Woodlawn". Caddie Woodlawn is Laura Ingalls on steroids. Written by Carol Ryrie Brink in 1935, Caddie Woodlawn is a story about Carol Ryrie Brink's grandmother. Caddie Woodlawn grew up in Wisconsin in the 1850s. When she was a little girl, she almost died, Caddie's father decided to raise her the same way he raised his sons, with Caddie spending time outside, rather than shut in the house sewing, and cooking. Although her mother didn't approve, she did agree to go along with the experiment. So while Caddie's sisters learned "the art of being a lady" Caddie happily ran wild with her brothers.  She was a fearless little girl, who could take a bump as well as a boy, but she was a kind soul as well.
Caddie had a soft spot for the Indians who lived nearby. One of them, named John, was her especial friend. He would call her "Missee Red Hair".  Caddie's neighbors however, distrust the Indians and that leads to what might be Caddie's biggest adventure.
Rumors of an Indian massacre have frightened the neighbors so much that they gather at the Woodlawn's house. For two days woman and children take shelter while the man keep watch. Caddie's father is positive their neighbors are trusthworthy but others aren't so sure. After Caddie overhears neighbors planning to attack John's encampment, she sneaks away from  her home and goes off to warn him. Thanks to the bravery of both Caddie and John, peace is restored to the neighborhood.
In 1936, Carol Ryrie Brink won the Newberry Award for Children's Literature with Caddie Woodlawn. She continued to write her entire life, and died in 1981 at the age of 86.
This book is a  great read for children between the ages of 8 to 10. It will give them an excellent idea of what life was like before the US had 50 states. Give it a glance and see if you don't enjoy it as well!