One of my favorite things is books as you well know by reading my blog year after year. One of the best things about having a blog is that it allows me to share some of my great finds with my readers and give a shout out to authors as well. Another great perk is having authors and publishers and publicists provide me with books for review. So today I am thrilled to share a set of three books that Blue Cottage Agency graciously shared with me.

Let’s meet the author first. Nancy Plain is an award winning author of non-fiction for young readers. Her love of the west is evident and her latest books are definitely a nod to the west. I absolutely love this quote by the author:

“Who doesn’t love a good story? For me, the past is an endless kaleidoscope of them, and history and biography for young readers can be as exciting as fiction.”

Nancy Plain

This set of three books, while related, do not have to be read together as they each detail separate stories of individuals who have made an impact on western history in some way. I have to admit that I did pick a favorite out of the trio and it was One Sky Above Us – The Story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Peace Indians. The story takes place in the Wallowa Valley of Oregon where Chief Joseph and his group of Nez Peace people lived. He made a promise to his father and throughout the story the reader follows his quest to keep that promise to his father. I won’t spoil the book for you by revealing if he was able to keep that promise but know that I loved how this book detailed the history of this group of. people and their perseverance during the many trials that they faced.

Next up is Go West, George Catlin. George Catlin was an artist with a dream and a huge goal in life. He wanted to paint the West and the people that made up the West. Artists are pretty amazing people and in this book the reader follows all of the hardships and trials and tribulations that were present in the 1830’s and the many obstacles that existed between cultures and people who did not live in the same manner. Perhaps we have made some progress since the 1830’s but this book is a great glimpse into what life was really like for this individual and the folks that he encountered. The book is engaging and showcases some of the beautiful artistry of this man. Definitely worth a read for anyone who wants to know a little bit more about this time in history.

The final book in the trio by Nancy Plain is Sagebrush and Paintbrush – The Story of Charlie Russell, The Cowboy Artist. Perhaps Charlie’s love of horses began when he was given a pony named Gyp on his 8th birthday. Perhaps it was something that was always part of his DNA. However the love of horses came to be a part of his life, Charlie earned the name “Cowboy Artist” early on in his career and he was able to live out his dream by creating wonderful art which shared his love of the West, cowboys and all that went with being a part of the West. What a wonderful book this is as an introduction to a truly amazing artist and legend. His works can be found in Glacier National Park at the Lake McDonald Lodge as well as in the Montana State House of Representatives building. What a great tribute to a lasting legend.

Even if you do not have a young reader in your life, these books are really great ones to read to learn a bit more about life in the West and the people that lived there years ago. What a great job author Nancy Plain has done to bring these folks to the forefront of history and share their stories in such a well written way.

Please check out her website here where you can learn even more about her and her writings. Thank you to the author, publisher and publicist for providing me these copies for my review.