Clarissa's Heart From the series: Latter-day Daughters By Launi K. Anderson Deseret Book, Cinnamon Tree, 1998 . Softcover: 84 pages. ISBN: 1-57345-416-8 Suggested retail price: $5.95 (US)
Reviewed by: Linda Adams

(This review is one of those which are sadly overdue. I apologize. I read the book in time, honest, I really did.)

Clarisssa's Heart is the sequel to Clarissa's Crossing, and tells the story of a young girl who has lost her mother in the first book (one I have not read), who travels across the plains to Utah by handcart with her father, brother, aunt, and pet cat. The target audience for this book is Latter-day Saint girls from about ages 8-12.

The characters are believable and easily accessible to young people and adults alike. I found, as with many young children's chapter books I have read, that the plot was fairly predictable and simple to follow, but this is not a fault so much as a trademark of the genre. The vocabulary is also simple enough for a reader starting out with "real" chapter books without pictures, and includes a "Glossary" at the end for period terms that Clarissa uses, which may be helpful for some. There are a few small black and white illustrations woven throughout the text. It would be appropriate to read aloud to younger children as well.

Launi Anderson has written several of these slim volumes in the "Latter-day Daughters" series published by Deseret Book which compete with the popular mainstream "American Girls" series.

My nine-year old daughter enjoys the three Latter-day Daughters series books we have, but said openly, "The American Girls books are better." I asked her why. She said the plots were "more interesting." I couldn't get her to elaborate much more than that, though. I have yet to read the "American Girls" for myself to answer that question from an adult standpoint.

She did like, however, reading the continued story of Clarissa. In the first book, her family crossed the ocean from England. Her mother has died previously.

In this volume, the family heads out to Utah by handcart and begins their second journey, traveling across the plains through the summer. The book was a fun and eventful read, told in the first person from Clarissa's narrative. Indian braves want to purchase Clarissa and her Aunt Polly for squaws because of their bright red hair, and keep returning with more and more blankets and ponies, among other interesting adventures. In a touching moment, Clarissa makes a sacrifice for her brother who is very sick: a hand-carved necklace given her by a dear male friend, Eli, on the boat to America. Their company meets a man selling fresh goods to the starving pioneers for whatever they can pay.

     'Now then, missy. What d'ya say? What good's a neck bob when you're needin' soup? Here, I'll even throw in a few carrots." He chuckled.
     I thought of Andrew calling for broth, and I remembered the other tired, half-sick people in our company. As skinny as the bird was, it would make a fair pot of soup. But how could I . . . ? [ . . . ]
     With my hand still protecting the shell from his gaze, I closed my fingers tightly around it. I felt cold and sick inside, and my eyes began to sting. Shutting them tightly, I held my head up and whispered, 'I'm so sorry, Eli.' Then, with one anguished motion . . . I pulled. The delicate chain made a quiet snap and fell broken in my hand. Without opening my eyes, I held my precious treasure out to Mr. Feldman."
     He snatched it up and thrust the chicken at me. Feeling a tear run down the side of my cheek, I grabbed the bird and ran back to camp.

I found this to be an interesting book that gives us a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the pioneers traveling by handcart. I think it will be enjoyed by Latter-day Saint girls whom it is intended for, and is a good, entertaining story. Older girls may find the story and characters too simple. I'm not sure. I still enjoyed reading it myself, and I am a grown-up now.

Linda Adams
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