Wagon Wheels, Level 3, Grade 2-4 (I Can Read)

In 1957, Harper published its first I Can Read title, Little Bear, written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Large type, simple vocabulary, chapter-like divisions, and decorative pictures made Little Bear perfect for emerging readers-they could read the story comfortably and not feel overwhelmed by the text. Following suit came such classics as Peggy Parish's Amelia Bedelia series, Lillian Hoban's books about Arthur the monkey, and Syd Hoff's popular Danny and the Dinosaur. Many books in this series are special in the depth of emotion evoked - Little Bear, the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel, and Daniel's Duck by Clyde Bulla, to name a few - and all are enjoyed by children of all ages. Grade 2 - Grade 4.

Children's Literature

The three Muldie boys and their father have reached Kansas after a long, hard trip from Kentucky, during which their mother died. This close-knit, African American family spends their first tough winter in a dugout in the small settlement of Nicodemos, a town founded by freed slaves. They almost starve that first winter, but are helped by some Osage Indians. The three boys are left alone in the spring as their father seeks even better land, and come July, they face the challenge of traveling 150 miles on their own to meet him. The four short chapters present an exciting and realistic story, and an author's note documents its truth. The accompanying audiocassette, performed by Darrell Cary with just the right amount of drama, should help young readers follow the simple text.