A Home in the Woods: Pioneer Life in Indiana (America Since World War II)

Rating:
Summary: Great Learning Experience
Review: I teach high school freshmen in a state-history survey class, and I feel that this book is a great learning tool for that age group, as well as any age-group above. Howard Johnson give the reader a clear understanding of what the midwest was facing at the time of settlement by describing in wonderful details the geography and wildlife, as well as the hardships faced by early pioneers. My students, who usually don't enjoy anything I assign them to read (or at least tell me they don't) - were very perked-up about this novel, and were disappointed when they were through. I feel that they truly learned a lesson about early pioneers and their experience, much as what the "Little House" books did for me when I was 8 years old. It's just a shame that this book is so short. Those in Indiana, esp. the Indianapolis region, will really get a joy of reading this book as it takes place in Marion Co. However, any student of midwestern history, no matter how old will find it just as satisfying.