This book is a blend of fact and fiction as we read the story of Nae (cowboy) and Kate (storekeeper’s daughter) as they navigate life in the wild west. Along the way, there are text and photo boxes with facts about that time period. There is a timeline and map included, as well as index, glossary and table of contents.

While the mix of facts and fiction is interesting, it is somewhat confusing that the fact boxes often do not coordinate with the fictional story line presented on the same pages. For example, Kate’s brother is really sick and the doctor is at a ranch five miles away. Yet, on the same two page spread there is a fact box with information about the Pony Express. The facts are great, but the story is a bit weak and doesn’t really mesh with some of the facts (as mentioned previously). And, elements are (very) briefly mentioned in the story line, but a have a big presence in the accompanying fact box.

This might be a decent book to rouse student interest for more substantial information. But, don’t rely on it. Not recommended.

Written in verse, this book reads visually like skiing quickly down a snowy hill of moguls. The archival black and white photos are the frosting on the cake to this story. This is the biography of Peter Seibert of Massachusetts. Pete learned to ski at seven years of age, “there was nothing else like it in the world.”(13)

The first section “AMERICA” tells of Pete’s years of skiing on his high school’s ski team, being too young to enlist when World War II breaks outs, but enlisting when he turns eighteen in the 10th Light Division (Alpine), Army training in the snow of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and Pete becoming an Army snow instructor in white camouflage.

“OCEAN” dwells on the anticipation of crossing the Atlantic Ocean before seeing action in World War II.

“ITALY” takes place in the Apennine Mountains in Northern Italy. The German Army is on top of peaks looking down on the Allies. The Allies need to dislodge the German Army before the Allies can advance. Pete was in the Allied platoon in snow mountain gear slowing working their way up the mountains before the 7:30 a.m. attack began. It was a remarkable feat “that so many Americans had climbed the impossible east side of Riva Ridge…Not one of his soldiers died in the climb to the top… the Germans fought back for four days but then surrendered.”(110)

In another battle, Pete was wounded from an artillery blast. Pete would be in the hospital for almost two months. During this time Germany surrenders.

Back in “AMERICA” Pete will undergo many surgeries, go through rehab, and wonder if he will ever ski again.

“THE PROMISE” finds Pete teaching in a ski school, qualifying for the U.S. Ski Team of 1950, and learning how to run a ski resort after injuring his ankle. In 1962, Pete opens the Vail Ski Resort.

Enjoy gliding through Pete’s story as if you yourself are on skis with him. This is a side of skiing and World War II that is often at told.

Set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this latest novel by Kiersten White is sure to appeal to many different readers. Even if you have no previous exposure to the Buffy movie or TV series, this book will quickly grab your attention. Twin sisters, Artemis and Athena, have grown up in the world of Watchers – those who help advise and protect Slayers. Nina (Athena) has always felt like an outcast among her peers and family. This “weak” character soon finds herself thrown into the power of becoming the very last Slayer. Adventure ensues to try and take down demons that threaten the world. New found Slayer powers cause Nina to have to make quick decisions for the first time in her life – decisions that will have great impact upon those she loves. Deceit among characters is an underlying factor that helps drive the plot. There are many descriptive fighting scenes, fueled by strong female characters and minimal, secondary male characters. Readers of Fantasy will delight in the characters, setting, and plot of this novel.