The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
Book Brief
Beta185
Novel • Fiction
California • 1850s
2002
YA
10-14 years
1030L
Super Short Summary
In The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman, a girl relocates with her family to a California mining town during the Gold Rush. Struggling with her new reality, she navigates the challenges and opportunities of frontier life, ultimately discovering her resilience and sense of belonging in the evolving American West.
Adventurous
Emotional
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
2,844 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman receives praise for its engaging historical setting and strong character development. Readers appreciate Lucy's relatable journey of self-discovery. However, some critique the slow pacing. Overall, the novel effectively portrays the challenges and adventures of 19th-century life with humor and heart.
Who Should Read The Ballad of Lucy Whipple?
Readers who enjoy Little House on the Prairie or Island of the Blue Dolphins will appreciate The Ballad of Lucy Whipple. This book appeals to those interested in historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and coming-of-age tales set in the transformative period of the California Gold Rush.
2,844 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple is set during the California Gold Rush, which adds a rich historical backdrop to Lucy's adventures and challenges.
Karen Cushman, the author of The Ballad of Lucy Whipple, is known for her meticulous research and has a reputation for creating vivid historical settings in her novels.
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The book was honored with the John and Patricia Beatty Award, recognizing its exceptional portrayal of California's rich cultural heritage.
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185
Novel • Fiction
California • 1850s
2002
YA
10-14 years
1030L
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