Tucket's Home

In this fifth and final installment of the Tucket Adventures, Francis has finally recovered from his rattlesnake bite and, together with Lottie and Billy, continues the trek to Oregon. On this leg of the journey, they encounter a greenhorn English adventurer and his servants, Francis' old friend Jason Grimes, a band of murderous outlaws, and a wagon train of men heading west to establish farms for their families. As in the earlier volumes, authentic setting details, believable characters, and nearly non-stop action add up to an appealing adventure. Readers will also appreciate the afterword, which reveals how the three used their gold and silver and that Francis and Lottie marry. Paulsen offers enough background for this title to stand alone, but series fans are the most likely audience.