DEAR AMERICA: WEST TO THE LAND OF PLENTY
The Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi, New York to Idaho Territory, 1883

ISBN: 0590738887
Scholastic
Ages: 9 and up
Fiction
Study Guide
eThemes Resources Website

In the spring of 1883, fourteen-year-old Teresa Viscardi and her large Italian American family leave their home in New York City to journey west. Along with a number of other easterners, the family is heading to the Idaho territory to settle in a town named Opportunity. Her diary begins on the train that will take them as far as the Dakota Territory where they must then buy wagons, oxen and horses to take them across the rugged landscape.

Teresa records many things: her struggle to understand her father's decision to move them to a utopian community thousands of miles from the home she loves, her admiration of her mother's strength and courage, and annoyance with her younger sister. After suffering illness, encounters with Native Americans, and her father's sudden silver fever, Teresa finds solace and comfort in her family's ability to stay together.

Teresa Viscardi is a funny, sad, and ultimately heroic fictional character. Based on rigorous research, Jim Murphy has fashioned a story that brings the triumphs and tragedies of westward expansion dramatically to life.

Horn Book: "Believable voices and well-developed settings. Appended historical notes and black-and-white photos add authenticity. Recommended."

School Library Journal: "Reminiscent of a Willa Cather heroine, the girl is resourceful, strong-minded and intelligent. Engaging, colorful characters abound. Excellent archival photos and notes enhance the presentation of this historical novel."

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