We took a South Dakota vacation and found this book to be great reading in our preparation and planning. It covers everything from lodging to attractions to activities to history and on and on.

This book, in combination with "Exploring the Black Hills and Badlands: A Guide for..." helped us have a better vacation than I ever expected.

This is a GREAT book if you are visiting this area. It gives all sorts of information to make your trip more complete. It also gives background information and little insiders tips here and there. The only thing I would look elsewhere for is accomodations. It has good camping and B&B info but not nearly enough hotel and resort listings but you can get that anywhere. This book is worth it just for the INFORMATION included.

If you are going to the Badlands or the Black Hills, this book is a must have. On our recent trip, this book was an invaluable guide to getting around and I would highly recommend it. It saved us tons of time that would have been wasted just driving around.

I think this book was the greates book i have ever read. You can not put down the book.
it is about a boy named tree (because he does not know his own name) lives at the orphange for the first 12 years of his life. He went to live with mr., mrs., and jake gunderson. mr gunderson does not like tree because he is not like his own son gus. mr gunderson acts like tree is not a good boy. so he thinks tree is the worst "son" that a preson could ever have.
When tree was about to go back to the orphange, his little brother acron comes along.
I can not tell you the rest of the story because it might ruin the ending but i really recomend that you should read this book.
DO you think Tree and his little brother will find a home with the gonderson, ro not. If you want to find out what happenes read the book

Jake's Orphan was a excellent book! I'm 15 years old and idon't read every book that comes across like my sister. But this bookwas a great book i was HOOKED to it! I couldn't put it down! I couldread this book over and over and never get tired of it!

Peggy Brooke has created a story for children and young adultsthat people of all ages will enjoy for its true to life emotions andrelationships. The book is true to the time, true to the circumstances, and unlike so many literary efforts, concludes with a sense of closure that is at once poignant, but also very believable. The story is set in 1926, but the historical setting shouldn't throw readers disinterested in period fiction. Its themes are timeless and could speak very well to today's youth about the power of peer pressure, the value of hard work and family, and the beauty of selfless acts of love. I was most impressed by Peggy Brooke's ability to realistically portray the gut-wrenching struggles of conscience within her main character, Tree, and his sheer terror at the possibility of his brother destroying everything he has worked so hard to attain. Just as young people today might feel trapped by circumstance and worry there is no way out of a predicament, Tree's struggle illustrates there are always alternatives, always a chance for redemption.

I normally don't write reviews on books. But this on is worth the exception. I first read this book back in the mid to late 80's., when I first started to become interested in caving. I found this book to be both informative as well as entertaining. I've done cave exploration in Minnesota Wisconsin Iowa and South Dakota. In 1988 I attended the annual convention of the National Speleological Society. It took place that Black Hills of South Dakota that year. I then had a chance to do some spelunking in Jewel Cave. This is by far on of the most exciting caves I have ever explored. While in the cave our group crossed paths with Dwight Deal. He caved with the Conn's during the time period written about in this book. He regaled us with some amusing stories about Jewel Cave.(Quite a interesting person.) As one of the evenings line up for the convention we had a presentation from Herb and Jan. They talk about there adventures in Jewel Cave. And pulled out there personal map from their exploration over the years. Then Jan gave a demonstration on filling and lighting a carbide lamp blindfolded. Herb and Jan are truly amazing. If your interested in caves, this is one you'll not want to put down. This one lives up to its name. It's quite an adventure.

Herb and Jan Conn were amateur climbers in the 1930s who fell in love with the Black Hills of South Dakota. At a friend's suggestion, the Conns began moonlighting as spelunkers in winter. When they first visited Jewel Cave, it was a tiny cavern with an intriguing unexplored passage. Luckily for the Conns, that passage led to a mile of unexplored cave passages, then two miles... and exploring Jewel Cave became the Conns' life's work. They describe the exciting exploration (which is still ongoing, with more than 100 miles of passages mapped) with just the right balance of action/adventure, science, and humor. This book is a pioneer of the outdoor/geography genre and is readable, fun and fascinating.

-Review by David Bezanson

Almost fifty years ago, two rock climbers entered a 'nice little cave' to survey it. They had never gone caving before, and wanted to try it out. Because of their efforts, that cave, Jewel Cave, is today the second longest cave in the US. This book tells the tale in a fluent, easy style that is sure to delight and enjoy. Next to 'The Longest Cave' it is possibly the most enjoyable exploration story about caving around. you will be amazed at the amount of work a small group of people was able to do, from the sometimes tortuous mapping of the cave, to the hard backbreaking labor involved in making a portion of their discovery open for public viewing, as part of Jewel Cave Natl. Monument. A large map comes with the book so you can follow them as they explore the ever expanding labyrynth. The 'Jewel Cave Adventure' is a great book for everyone, whether you are seriously interested in the undergorund or just looking for a darn good read.

What an extraordinarily beautiful and moving book this is. The text is simple and moving, as it limns the story of a 19th century Lakota Sioux boy through "his own" words and sketches. Although fictionalized, the book has the power of truth, and the "Ledgerbook" style illustrations are filled with vivid and unsentimental-though completely captivating-life and power. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, for children or adults.

Of the many excellent reviews of this book - starred in PW, for example - why did you choose the Kirkus Review's? The Ledgerbook was supervised, vetted and blessed by Arthur Amiotte, a Sioux Elder, with more credentials than you can count. A leading advocate of the power of education, Mr. Amiotte 's approval of and great delight in the authenticity of this book has obviously been overlooked in the KR reviewer's research. Throughout the entire country, this book has been cited again and again by educators and parents alike as being the most powerful, interactive teaching tool they've come across in years, not to mention being an extraordinry feast for the eyes. Please research your reviews before choosing the one that will (incorrectly in this case) represent the book to your many readers. Subjecting an extraordinary book to bad PR out of ignorance should be beneath you

Won the Christopher and International Readers Awards in 1995 because it is an authentic history, fictionalized, with stunning illustrations in the style of Plains Indians. We found it in the museum stores of the Southwest, where it was a favorite of the librarians. There is also a cd-rom called Journey of Thomas Blue Eagle, done by the illustrator.It is a favorite gift book of ours and hugely appreciated by the recipients

It's a good time for Harold Adams, whose novels about itinerent sign painter ex-cop Carl Wilcox had been languishing, garnering critical raves but little in the way of sales. Walker & Company, a publishing house becoming known for literate, sometimes off-beat mysteries, has released four books so far in trade paperback and published new ones in hardback. This is a series well worth investigating.

Wilcox reminds me of every boy's favorite uncle, the one who's a black sheep to the women of the family for not settling down, who stops by when he needs a bed and a few square meals, bringing with him a whiff of sin and a few great stories. He travels the small towns of the Dakotas and Minnesota during the Depression, taking on sign-painting jobs for grocery stores and law offices when they're available, and camping by the side of the road in his modified Model T. When the jobs are few on the ground, he'll take on a murder investigation.

In "A Way with Widows," his sister asks him to come to Red Ford, North Dakota, to help clear a neighbor of killing her husband, who was found on the stairs of another woman's house. In "No Badge, No Gun," a minister who has heard of Wilcox's reputation as an investigator asks him to solve the murder of his niece, found dead in the basement of a church. Wilcox's investigating style consists of wandering around town, talking to people, gathering threads of facts and weaving them into a plausible story. He's suspicious, but not cynical. Told about the perfect character of a churchgoing man, he observes, "Nothing in this world raises more doubts in my mind than apparently perfect young men."

Yet Wilcox is also a flawed man. He makes mistakes and is perfectly capable of being turned by a pretty widow with something to hide. His attempts at seduction sometimes succeed, but more often fail, which makes sense at a time when a woman's reputation could be affected by who she's seen with.

One hopes for better things for Adams and Wilcox, but if it doesn't happen, it won't be the fault of the publisher. Like most of Walker's books, these are beautiful to look at -- details from Edward Hopper's paintings appear on most of them, which is a nice change from the usual blood and skulls that passes for art on most mystery covers -- and the $8.95 price tag is more than reasonable for these absorbing tales of small-town crimes of passion.

For some of us too young to know better, the world of the Depression can seem as foreign a place as Moscow or Outer Mongolia. It was, after all, a half-century ago, before computers, television, the Interstate Highway system and couple of major wars.

Which is why following Carl Wilcox, part-time bum, former convict and itinerant sign painter as he travels from town to town in the Dakotas so fascinating. In addition to painting signs and doing what he can to bring body and soul a little closer together, he sometimes investigate cases in small towns like Hope, Jonesville and Greenhill.

For the most part, these are pretty quiet stories about small towns where there's not much to do, and where murders are few and far between. Adams's books describe a Depression-era Dakotas of quiet small towns where private reputations and public behavior mattered. His Wilcox is a quiet man, willing to work when he needs money and loaf when he doesn't. His constant pursuit of any semi-willing women would be off-putting were it not realistically depicted (i.e., he doesn't succeed very often).

One added bonus can be found in the design of the books, whose covers sport art by Edward Hopper and Thomas Hart Benton. Not your usual mystery book design.

During the Depression, sign painter Carl Wilcox has earned a reputation throughout the Dakotas for solving murder mysteries, which is why Pastor Bjorn Bjornsen invites him to lunch. Bjorn and his nephew Sven offer Carl $100 to discover who raped and murdered the pastor's niece Gwendolyn in their church basement.

Carl begins his inquiries by talking to the cop on the case, Officer Driscoll, who has unofficially given up on the case, but does provide Carl the needed information. Carl follows up with discussions about the victim with her teachers, friends, and family. As he continues to look into the brutal death of a child with no seeming enemies or anyone with a motive to hurt her, Carl begins to wonder if even he can solve this mystery.

The fifteenth Wilcox depression era who-done-it keeps the freshness that has constantly made this series one of the best historical mysteries on the market. The story line fits the period, making it seem much more alive than fiction normally produces. However, it is the talent of Harold Adams to brilliantly describe a host of characters as seen through their varying relationships with succinct and abrupt Carl that makes NO BADGE, NO GUN and , for that matter all the Wilcox books, must reading for sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner

The North Dakota Atlas & Gazetteer, and others in the series, include nearly everything you would expect to find on a map and more, including roads; railroad lines, current and abandoned; towns; rivers; lakes; the higher hills; Wildlife management Areas; federal and state land such as wildlife reuges and parks; fishing areas,; wildlife viewing areas, including what type of wildlife can be see; campgrounds; unique natural features; museums and other attractions; tribal lands; historic sites and trails.

These not only are in the maps, but many are cross-referenced in indexes.

There also is a complete index of place names and map features, plus marks fo using the maps with the Global Positioning System.

The other books in the Atlas & Gazetteer series are of equal quality, if you are interested in any ohter states.

You can't obtain so much informatin about North Dakota anywhere in 66 pages or the North Dakota Atlas & Gazeteer's price.

It's a true bargain, and a real service to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

Dale Stensgaard, Grand Rapids Herald, Feb. 28, 1999

The DeLorme maps include everything of interest in North Dakota to travelers. In addition to the roads, cities and airports included in standard road maps, DeLorme has included towns, lakes, rivers, intermittent water areas, current and abandoned railroad lines, historic sites, national wildlife refuges, state parks and recreation areas and campgrounds and what services are available at each. Wildlife viewing areas are listed including the types of wildlife which can be seen. Higher hills, coulees, creeks, fishing spots and tourist attractions are identified. North Dakota's unique natural features such as the Pembina Gorge in the northeastern part of the state and the remote areas of the Badlands are included. The sites are indicated on the maps and listed in indexes of various attractions. Also included is a full index of place names and features and marks for using the maps with the Global Positioning System. The GPS is a series of satellites used by the U.S. government for navigation, which when used with a GPS receiver, will provide accurate information about location, direction and speed of travel anywhere on earth.

Carol Ann Jones, Staff Writer, Minot Daily News, March 21, 1999

"The newly published North Dakota Atlas & Gazetteer solves the problem for those looking for remote outdoor adventures in the state. It is an excellent outdoor and travel book, containing detailed maps of every township in North Dakota. Whether looking for Writing Rock State Historical Site northeast of Grenora, Skunk Hill northwest of Kidler, or Shell Lake south of Blaisdell, the Gazetteer shows plainly where each is located."

- Minot Daily News March 21, 1999

After reading "Giants in the Earth" I was anxious to continue the story of the Holm family. I rushed to pick up "Peder Victorious" and its sequel "Their Father's God" and again, I was not dissapointed.

"Peder Victorious" chronicles the childhood of the youngest Holm child, Peder, who is bound for greatness. Through his tribulations with love and sex, to his conflicts with authority this novel brings out all the strife of Americanization.

Perhaps the best built conflict and consequently the most frustrating, is that between Peder and his mother. His mother becomes religiously fanatical at times and consequently drives Peder from the church.

"Peder Victorious" is a powerful novel, written by a brilliant author. It is too bad that I can't read Norwegian, because I'm sure that these novels are even greater in their original language. I would strongly recommend "Peder Victorious" for anyone that is interested in the conflicts of a widening generation gap, but also for those seeking simply a superbly written novel that is entertaining to the end - Enjoy!

This book is the sequel to "Giants in the Earth," an engrossing adventure story about the settlement of the South Dakota prairie. Peder turned out to be entirely different, more cerebral, slower, less exhuberant. I read Giants to learn what my ancestors experienced. It turned out to be a truly significant and exciting novel, but I didn't learn much about the Norwegian-American experience. I picked up Peder to discover what happened to the characters in Giant. Instead, I gained a deeper understanding of the joys and agonies that my family must have experienced as they lost their Norwegian language and culture, becoming Americans.

Peder starts off slowly. Revolving around the title character, it uses Peder Holm's experience as an adolescent as a device to illustrate the changes and conflicts within the Norwegian-American community. As he becomes more mature, and his dilemmas become more adult, the story becomes more engrossing.

I have to admit that I set this one down for about a month before finishing it, but I'm ready to read the next one. In many ways, it is a more significant novel than Giants. It was moving and thought-provoking. Great novels are not always an easy read--this one is worth a bit of patience through Peder's childhood years.

"Giant's in the Earth" ended with Per Hansa going off into the snow storm. This novel picks up on his son (who was only 4 when his father disappeared) and his growing years and also fills in the gaps that one had to assumed happened in the first book. A very powerful story regarding a Norwegian boy growing up in America. I only wish that Rolvaag extended it a few more chapters. Peder Victorious, all though it moved slowly at times, was well worth the reading!

Richard S. Wheeler's Skye's West: Rendezvous and his character Barnaby Skye...eh, make that Mister Skye! offers a reading treat for anyone who wants something out of the ordinary with their adventures.
Besides providing a good story Wheeler's writing is grown-up good as it leads us into an historical realm and offers a well- crafted look, convincing dialogue, and characters who breathe.
It's easy to see why Wheeler has won the SPUR Award for his western writing and easy enough for a reader to be spurred on with his stories.
There's only a handful of talented writers in this genre out there and Wheeler is one of them.

This is a good read, with a lot of historical facts mixed in with the fiction. It describes life in the wilderness of the Northwest in what is now the United States, and the struggles people faced just to survive. Has a good story line and keeps your interest. This is the first of the Barnaby West novels I have read and I would like to read more books about this character, if I could just figure out which one I should read next. I can't find anything that gives me any indication of which book in the series comes next.

From the time that Skye deserts the British vessel holding him captive to his meeting with the mountain men and Indians, I was held captive and felt as if I took each step into this new world with him. Mr. Wheelers use of historical facts and people, ie: the Hudson Bay company, Jim Bridger etc. just added to the overall effect of the story. I feel as tho I have gained a little more insight into the way the early trappers lived and faced death on a daily basis.

I will look forward to reading his previous novels on Mister Skye -i backward order to see just where he went from this point on. Anyone who enjoys the historical novel will enjoy this one. Thanks for a trip into the past!

Little Crow shares his own personal intrepetation of his Dakota/Lakota world view and how to apply the sacred truths of not only taking accountability for all of one's actions in daily living, but for learning to take responsibility for every thought we create within ourselves, which, in turn, affects everyone and everything else in the universe.

This is a well-written book and Little Crow is succinct and to the point. If you start applying what he writes about, be ready for some life-changing experiences. This book is not for the lazy person but rather for one who is ready to "get up off your spiritual ass and go out and live your life," as the author so eloquently puts it!

This book is a roadmap for finding your way out of 21st century stress, violence and emptiness. It is clearly written, based upon the wisdom of the First Americans, and how that wisdom (oral tradition) can be put to use in bringing balance to comtemporary living. This book parallels the wisdom shared each Sunday morning at The Gathering in Garden Grove, California. What you hear at The Gathering is what you get in reading The Sacred Hill Within. If you're desperate in getting a handle on day-to-day insanities, get ahold of this book. It will do your spirit a world of good.

This spiritual human being "Little Crow" has been an instrument for my healing and growth since 1991. Since attending "The Gathering", held each Sunday in Garden Grove, California, I have had the blessing of many insights and spiritual people to join me on my path. The tenants of the American Indian Church simplify the altruistic beliefs of most indigenous peoples, hence "World Views". A wonderful gift for those that wish to seek their own individual sacredness.

A complete, well-researched, well-rounded but dry portrayal of this historic figure and time period. Marrin succeeds in conveying that a Lakota's way of viewing the world and his place in it differed from the white man's, and thus our own. Sitting Bull is portrayed as a great leader and warrior from the viewpoint of his people, but we are led to see how his actions were understood and portrayed differently by contemporary journalists and historians. Not as moving as Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee, but evokes the same sense of remorseful wonder at the needless pain, suffering and loss of life imposed on Native Americans by the United States' "Manifest Destiny" policy and those who carried it out.

I thought that this book was a very good book. You could read this book and never put it down. This was a great book for an assignment or just for fun. They tell a lot about his biggest battle " The Little-Bighorn". If you like really good books you should read this.

This is a fine history book for Young Adults, in the tradition of Russell Freedman's prizewinning photobiographies. Carefully researched and footnoted, the book also includes a list of further readings and an index. The body of the book is clearly written and substantial - indeed, adults interested in the subject would also do well with this one. It contains many direct quotes from primary sources, along with many fascinating photographs of the people involved, and hand-drawn illustrations by Sioux people who witnessed these events. The facts are presented in a straightforward manner, and while there is natural sympathy towards the unjustly dispossessed tribes herein, overall the book is remarkably balanced. Depth is given to people such as Custer and Major James Walsh. I like the way readers may draw their own conclusions rather than having them forced. There are few clear heroes or villains here, rather there is historical truth and tragedy.