The Devil's Paintbox

[Lynnette]

Victoria McKernan has written a gripping tale of survival published by Alfred A. Knopf. It's April 1865, the Lynch farm has been devastated by fire and drought, the last survivors of the family are Aiden,15, and his sister Maddy, 13 and even though they made it through the winter, starvation is now inevitable.

Unlikely savior, Jefferson J. Jackson, arrives just as the last of the cornmeal mush is about to expire and offers a fighting chance of survival if Aiden will indenture himself as a logger. The orphans see a chance at a new life but that chance is 2,000 perilous miles away. Mr. Jackson agrees to ferry them across the country in his wagon train but before they leave cautions them, "Any way you can think up to die is out there waiting."

Aiden is wary but will do anything for his sister's survival and happiness and Maddy is anxious to see what life has in store for them. Their exploits naturally include new friends like the young Nez Perce boy, Tupic, educated in a mission school but now reunited with his tribe and Doc Carlos, who helps the wagon train avoid an epidemic of "the devil's paint".

Victoria McKernan portrays both the danger and beauty of the developing west and at the same time deftly depicts the orphans heartbreaking and hopeful adventure-filled story with exciting and dramatic characters. Besides "The Devil's Paintbox", Victoria McKernan has written "Shackelton's Stowaway", another young adult historical novel and four novels for adults. She lives in Washington, DC.

Lynnette Phillips is a blogger, writer, reader. Visit her blog site where she doesn't only review books but also offers author readings & interviews, book trailers, book & author trivia and more. http://avidbookreviews.blogspot.com

(c) Copyright 2011 by Lynnette Phillips All Rights Reserved
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[Cambria]

Thank you so much for all your fabulous posts lately, Lynnette!! It is do great to see you on here!

[Lynnette]

Thanks, it felt like you do when you suddenly realize you haven't talked to someone in a long time. You kinda go overboard but you're really glad to be in contact again!

[Cambria]

Hahaha. I know the feeling. Happens to me all the time. :)