Testimonials wakarusa

Rave Reviews!

Orion and Ollie O’Brien and their friends, Sal and Sofi Martelli, expect a boring week-long visit to their aunt and uncle’s blueberry farm near Baldwin, Kansas, but are surprised to find the freedom of farm life and the fear and excitement of discovering two phantoms from the Civil War era. Once again, history is seamlessly woven into the storyline.  Without even realizing it, young readers will learn factual details about the history of Baker University and the importance of the Civil War Battle of Black Jack. — Shannon Shore Howell, Direct descendant of Samuel T. Shore, Co-Captain with John Brown at the Black Jack Battle

 

This book is just plain inspiring, and fun to read. There are many positive things you could say about it. In some ways it is definitely sad, but some parts are really fun and happy. I personally like the Phantoms, because they have such a never-ending relentless back story. I would recommend this book to any person seven years old or older. Please write more books like this, Fran Borin. — Brandon Eddings, age 10, McLouth, KS

 

Orion O’Brien and the Phantoms of Wakarusa is a very good book because you learn about the Underground Railroad. It is also a great ghost story with an amazing plot twist. — Gibson Donnelly, age 10, Prairie Village, KS

 

 

Orion O’Brien and the Phantoms of Wakarusa is the third in a series of finely-crafted historical fiction books about eleven-year-old Orion O’Brien and her younger brother, Ollie. In this volume, the two again encounter phantoms–this time, the ghosts of two siblings who tragically died in 1863. Middle-grade students and others will enjoy following their dramatic adventures as they attempt to solve a mystery involving freedom seekers on the Kansas Underground Railroad. This book helps fill a gap in the literature about an often-overlooked period in our nation’s history–the pre-Civil War period. —Judith Sweets, Historian and author specializing in Territorial Kansas, Underground Railroad and Douglas County topics

 

 

I really like that this book talks about Kansas history and the burning of Lawrence, while still being a good ghost story. — Isaac Young, age 10, Shawnee, Kansas

 

An educational tale in which Ms. Borin craftily weaves the perfect amount of both mystery and cleverness. I enjoyed it best when Noah confessed and opened up to the children. Out of all the books in this endearing series, this one is my favorite. — Mikaela Samson, age 12, Belton, MO