Boston Jane: An Adventure - Jennifer L. Holm

 

Boston Jane: An Adventure by Jennifer L. Holm

Bibliography: 

Holm, J. L. (2010). Boston Jane: An adventure. Random House. 

Plot Summary: 

Schooled in the lessons of etiquette for young ladies of 1854, Miss Jane Peck of Philadelphia finds little use for manners during her long sea voyage to the Pacific Northwest and while living among the American traders and Chinook Indians of Washington Territory.

Critical Analysis:

I really enjoyed this book. I could hardly put it down! It reminded me, almost exactly, of True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, which I read recently. However, it had a bit more history because an important element to the plot was Native American relationships with the white men. 

This story also contained a romantic plot, which was nice, but not the main draw for me. I particularly loved this story because of the message it sent about women. I was annoyed for half of the book because Jane was holding back her true self in compliance to what a man thought a woman should be like. However, that issue was resolved for me when her hard circumstances forced her to shed her vanity and become courageous, opinionated, strong, and slightly unrefined. The evolution of her character was fascinating and actually quite realistic. 

A great read for teen girls. 

Review Excerpt: 

School Library Journal

As a storyteller, Holm is superb.

ALA Booklist (starred review)

A first-rate story not to be missed.

Washington

The fascinating details and humor herein are sure to hit home with fans of historical fiction.

Connections:

Boston Jane Unit - An Adventure, Wilderness Days, The Claim

Native Americans - Chinook, North West Washington

Manners & Etiquette with 19th Century Girls/Women