The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming Hardcover – February 28, 2017

A must read for upper elementary and middle school students in Washington state. Based upon the second trip that Mercer made to bring more brides out to Washington Territory. The second trip also contained widows and their children from the aftermath of the Civil War. Jane is brought along with her stepmother and half brother. She is excited about the trip having no background to see the lies that Mercer put in his pamphlets. Her stepmother, only a little older than her, sees no reason for Jane to continue schooling or do anything else other than take care of her little brother. Other travelers on the journey manage to distract her stepmother. Upon arrival in Seattle, the lies are revealed. Many of the men don't wnat ready made families, and money is running out. We need more history that will come alive for our children.

As an adult retired teacher, I had the background knowledge that allowed me to understand the motives and decisions made by the characters. However, if a ten year old reads The Many Reflections of Miss Jane Deming, the book may become confusing due to the exciting twists and turns in the plot that an older reader would understand. I think this book is more appropriate for an older audience. Perhaps twelve and above would be more appropriate. It is well written and interesting, and I recommend the book to older readers or as a directed reading in a group, class, or at home.

This was a fascinating tale that covers a part of history I knew little about. Captured with research, thoughtfulness and compassion, this follows the story of not only Jane, but also other women and children who made the journey across the continent in search of a better life.

Read this with my daughter for Washington history homeschooling. She and I both loved it. Not only does it truthfully cover the history of the Washington territory and Seattle, it portrays a young woman who learns how to live and learn through all circumstances. Beautiful read.

Jane's step-mother (a Civil War widow) is enticed to join the second Mercer Girls group heading from New York to Washington Territory. They quickly discover they've traded a bad situation in New England to what seems to be a worse one in muddy Seattle. Jane meets the challenges with courage and pluck, learning practical pioneer skills, from skinning an otter to building a canoe, and gaining emotional maturity as she encounters a wide range of people from giggly, husband-hunting young women to the neighboring local Native American family. I cheered for Jane as she adjusted to her new home and discovered her own strengths! Since I'm from the NW, I especially enjoyed reading this well-researched historical fiction about the early days in Seattle.

This book was amazing. My daughter (aged 13) loved it too. It’s interesting without getting boring; the characters are well developed; and it was fascinating to learn about what Seattle was like.

Written from an eleven year old barely educated, pioneer girls point of veiw. It is a lovely story about growing up in the wilderness of early Seattle. Very early.

Granted, I'm a grown up, but I loved this book, and highly recommend it for tweens and young teens who enjoy reading. Jane Deming is left in care of her stepmother (who is not that much older than Jane herself) and they, along with her toddler half-brother, are travelling to Washington state, post Civil War. Mr. Mercer, who organized the passage, promised the "Mercer Girls" on board a destination with lots of available (and gold-rich) bachelors eager for wives. Jane is smart but lacks friends her own age. Her stepmother “Mrs D.” tends to take advantage, requiring Jane to knit socks or look after Jer, rather than meet other passengers her own age. Intelligent writing, humor, heart and an ending that’s fully satisfying. Suggest to fans of Lauren Wolk (WOLF HOLLOW and BEYOND THE BRIGHT SEA) or any youngster who enjoys meaty historical fiction. Slightly older readers might also enjoy Mary Hooper's FALLEN GRACE, VELVET and NEWES FROM THE DEAD, as well as Coates earlier book: THE WICKED AND THE JUST.About me: I'm a middle school/high school librarianHow I got this book: from the library