Free Content Guide: The Cabin Faced West Book Review
The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz. This is a short chapter book with a beautiful message of embracing change with courage. It makes a wonderful addition to early chapter books and is perfect for short family read-aloud sessions, particularly for young girls. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Beautiful stories that inspire my children towards goodness, truth, and beauty are GOLD.
Please note the review contains content warnings which are not meant to shame you for enjoying certain books. It doesn’t mean you should avoid it or that you should feel personally judged by the warnings. It’s a heads up for the mama who doesn’t have time to pre-read every book before sharing it with their precious children. We all have different family values and kids of varying ages. Sometimes I will include warnings that may not apply to your family. Please continue to have discernment with book selections for your family. You are the gate keeper of your home and I am so blessed that you consider me worthy to review this book for you.
Life is too short, time is too precious, and there are too many beautiful stories to read books that do not align with your family values.
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Read below to determine if this book is a good fit for you and your reader.
The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
Age Range: 8+ (8-12)
Read Aloud Age: 5+
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Classics, American History
Themes: Change, Family, moving
Year Published: 1958
At a Glance: The Cabin Faced West
Description (Spoiler Free)
Ann Hamilton (age 10) is not impressed with the new frontier life. It’s hard, and there are no girls her age. However, a few changes and a visit from George Washington ignite her love for her new home, Hamilton Hill.
Brief Content Warnings
Minimal potential content to note. There is a concern about meeting unfriendly Indians.
Discussion Topic (difficult topic)
Historical context.
First Line
“Ann Hamilton swept the last of the day’s dust out of the door into the sunset.”
Quotes
“Roads are different from streets, Ann thought. Streets are businesslike, and only expected things happen on them, but roads have moods and mysteries and secrets to tell and promises to make around every corner.”
General Washington turned to Ann and put his hand gently on her shoulder. “Through the courage of young girls as much as anyone’s. You will live to see this whole country a rolling farmland, bright with houses and barns and churches. Some day. I envy you, Miss Hamilton.”
Content Guide for The Cabin Faced West
Religious Beliefs
When the storm passes, Ann’s father remarks that they have much to be thankful for and states, “We must thank God for His mercy.” Then, he recites Psalm 23. “It was his way of saying that he believed God had led them to the Western Country and was watching over Hamilton Hill.” Ann’s father interprets “my cup runneth over” as meaning you had “more happiness than you could possibly hold.” Ann’s brother shows her a spot where they will build a church someday.
Language
One use of the phrase “good lord.”
Violence
None.
Romance
None.
Political
None.
Other
There is concern about meeting unfriendly Indians.
Thoughts on The Cabin Faced West by Jean Fritz
This short book sparked my four-year-old’s interest in keeping a diary while also showing her the responsibilities of a child around the home, such as, in Ann’s case, sweeping and keeping a little garden. We enjoyed this book! It’s a great first read-aloud for girls and an independent read.
If you enjoyed The Cabin Faced West, then try _____ .
Suggestion is pending! 🙂
Maybe try Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan {Review HERE}
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Thanks for Stopping By!
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HAPPY READING!
– With Great Joy, Katie
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