I saw this book listed on several homeschooler's reading lists, so thought I'd check it out. I enjoyed the story and the simplicity with which it was told. One review on the dust jacket read, "This is a book unmarred by preachment, piety, or sentimentality--a book without flaw, it seems to me, which must become an American classic." --Christian Science Monitor.

Several reviewers found the treatment of the Indians offensive. I don't find that to be true. The main characters are tolerant and thoughtful. Some of the other characters display judgment and fear, but their attitudes are discussed by Sarah and her father. He assures her repeatedly that the Indians mean her no harm and that she is safe living near them. Indeed, she lives with them when he leaves to bring the rest of their family to their new home in the wilderness. During this time she learns a great deal about their customs and gains an appreciation of their way of life. She comes to prefer her soft moccasins to the stiff leather shoes she used to wear before she lived with them.

The illustrations by Leonard Weisgard, in sepia tones, lend a rustic feeling to the story. They reminded me of Barbara Cooney's work.