Black Storm Comin’ Book Review
Posted by Mrs. Matzat on July 23, 2007
Black Storm Comin’ by Diane Lee Wilson
RL 5.5
Colton Wescott has had a tough life. His family left Missouri in their covered wagon to head for California. Their journey is made more difficult than normal because Colton’s dad is white, but his mom is black, and the others in the wagon train don’t approve of them. When Colton’s dad accidentally shoots him and runs away, Colton is left alone to get his sick mother and his younger sisters to California. Out of desperation, Colton joins the Pony Express to try to earn money for his family, but constantly has to worry that others will find out he is of mixed race. This adventurous story will appeal to many readers, and it provides a great description of what life was like during the 1800s before the Civil War.
Cindy’s Two-Cents
This is a great historical fiction story that I think our 3rd and 4th graders will love. Because our kids study the Pony Express and it is tied to our state, I think it will really be a great book to use to enhance your social studies instruction. There is enough action in the story that the kids will be hooked, and it has plenty of historical information to make it a great classroom resource. There are many topics addressed in the story that you could expand on: race relations, pre Civil War history, the actual Pony Express route, the California gold rush, and more. I loved the book, I think it would be a great read-aloud for 3rd and 4th grade, and I really think you are going to enjoy the story.
Online Resources
I really thought I would find tons of great online information on the Pony Express, but I was disappointed in what was out there. I linked a few things that you might be able to use. Be sure to check World Book Online for some additional facts.
Brief Author Bio
http://www.simonsays.com/content/destination.cfm?sid=33&pid=367921&agid=13
Pony Express History and Culture
http://www.nps.gov/poex/historyculture/index.htm
History of the U.S. Postal Service
http://www.usps.com/history/his2.htm
Gold Rush Chronicles – The Pony Express
http://comspark.com/goldminer-mall/chronicles/ponyexpress.htm
Photograph of a Pony Express Rider
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/resources/archives/four/64_02.htm
