Growing Up in Zion: True Stories of Young Pioneers Building the Kingdom

by Susan Arrington Madsen (Editor)

Includes longer reminiscences which describe experiences of Mormon youth growing up in Utah between 1847 and 1900, shorter excerpts which complement these writings, and letters written by children.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Lds, Religion

195 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories written by Utah’s “pioneers” about their childhood hardships and trials in a new land. Most of them feel very authentic, but some have that “uphill both directions” tone that old people get when talking to their grandchildren. A growing boy eating nothing but sego roots all summer might be suspect, especially since you can only find sego lilies for a couple of weeks in July, and the roots are pretty tiny. But there wasn’t much of that. I got a kick out of the young woman who listed all the boys who were in love with her, and which ones she kissed. I was impressed with how hard the children worked, how much fun they had playing simple games, and the closeness of their communities. But just so I wouldn’t long too hard for those good old days, I was reminded of how many people died of things that are completely preventable today. I wouldn’t give up modern medicine for any amount of fun we could have had playing Run Sheep Run or Fox and Geese.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading a book I really like, I try to think of at least one other person who might like it, too. Then I loan the book to that person. I shared the last book I read with my friend, Cindie Walker. When she returned the book to me, she shared THIS book with me. I had never heard of it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought of my own ancestors who grew up in Utah many times as I read it and wondered if they had had similar experiences as children.

[Laura C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely little volume is a happy companion to “Journey to Zion”. Half the population of Utah in the 1800’s was under the age of 18, and here are some of their stories, in their own words. It is full of the most charming pictures, historical observations, snippets and letters to the Juvenile Instructor magazine as well.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading stories of the people who started the state I grew up in was absolutely enthralling! And you've gotta love the story of the girl who kissed a whole bunch of different boys. Those pioneers! Ha.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about what life was like for the early Mormon settler's in Utah. This book is a very interesting read taken from personal accounts of children growing up in the unsettled area's around Salt Lake. I recommend it if you are interested in early LDS church history.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Day-to-day life was so different back then, and I found myself wishing for a day in their lives. I loved the simplicity of viewing history from a child’s eyes and it reminded me of how much we can learn from children. It also totally made me laugh at some points.

[Carmen Maloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great companion book to "I walked to Zion". Amazing stories of courage, endurance, and faith. A must read for LDS history fans.

[Utdancer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book it gives ture accounts of children who crossed the plains and saw teh Salt Lake valley grow.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the true stories of the young pioneers who were living in Utah, telling in their own words what it was like to tame this land and make it home.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been another great read-aloud with my kids, gives us such a sense of our great heritage and blessings.