The Cabin Faced West

Ann Hamilton's family has moved to the western frontier of Pennsylvania, and she misses her old home in Gettysburg. There are no girls her age on Hamilton Hill, and life is hard. But when the Hamiltons survive a terrible storm and receive a surprise visit from George Washington, Ann realizes that pioneer life is exciting and special.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Historical Book for Kids

By Ken Roberts "social historian" - March 24, 2001

I am very surprised at the number of poor reviews this book has gotten. As a kid, I thought it was great BECAUSE of the low action format, and that the concentration was on what life was like for the REAL heroes of our nation during a most underrated time in our nation's history. Ann HATED the idea of moving 'out west' (western Pennsylvania) at the beginning of the story, but, by the end, she learned just what an impact every day people such as she and her family had in helping our nation's growth. Such interesting historical facts like not letting the cooking fire go out (no lighters or matches in the 18th century!), and showing, pretty accurately, life without electricty, TV, videos, radios, cars, or even paper to write on. No, there's not much action, but there IS much more, especially for the youngster who has an interest in the past. When I was ten, this book was a favorite - even though the main character was a girl - taboo at that age - and I recently reread it and I found I... read more

Outstanding- interesting and excellently written

By E. Fox "nomoretwaddle" - May 9, 2003

What better way for a child to learn history than through reading a well-written, fascinating story set in a previous era? This book is outstanding in that category. The history is authentic, the story engaging, the reading level accessible for an elementary age reader. I especially appreciated the realistic and warm family relationships in the book. Beautiful themes of adjusting to change and accepting new challenges. My 6-year-old daughter enjoyed it as much as I did.

A Story You Won't Forget!

By Levi Fry Intermediate Student - May 18, 2000

The Cabin Faced West is an intriguing story of a family that has moved west, which is such a remote place that it is only populated by two families.The two families contain nothing but male figures (that are Anne's own age!) Anne Hamilton is having a rough time working out this problem. She must stay strong and overcome these dissimilarities and strive to be friends with the outgoing, down- to- earth, Andy McPhale. She has almost given up when suddenly a visitor changes her thoughts and gives her the ability to go on. I think this book is very tasteful, witty, and also seems very real. I would definetly recommend this book to a friend . If you like the Little House On The Prairie you'll love this book.If you like mysteries,adventures, surprises,or you just enjoy reading books on the early frontiers,and pioneers, you'll love this book.As I said I would definetly recommend this book to a friend , as I recommend it to you.*****