Devil's Paintbox

Reader: Luke M
Age: 15
Title: Devil's Paintbox
Author: Victoria McKeran
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pub Date: 1/13/09
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teens’ Top 10: Yes
b: After all other family members die, Aiden and Maddie are left starving in the prairies of Kansas. Their only chance for survival will be braving the hardships of the Oregon Trail and then life in debt to an uncaring logging company. Facing wolves, small pox and river fording, the journey seems impossible.
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: A historical fiction novel about a boy traveling on the Oregon Trail to a job at a logging camp to escape starvation.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I liked the motives of all the characters, especially Aiden. The way he acted after Maddie's death was realistic.
Did you finish: Yes
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The book seemed to have very little unique. There are many stories about people traveling west to look for jobs. This one did focus a lot on after the trip and had a few new ideas (being orphans, Maddie's death) it still didn't seem any better than most Oregon Trail books.
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: The cover was very interesting, as it looked like a historical novel in the west, which it was. Also, because of this, it accurately reflected the book and the person on the cover has a bow, like Aiden.
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 4Q Better than most
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal