Cannon, Ann. Charlotte's Rose. Wendy Lamb Books, 2002. ISBN 0385729669. $15.95. 256 pp. Reviewer: Deanna Romriell Reading Level: Intermediate Rating: Excellent Genre: Historical Fiction; Subject: Frontier and pioneer life; Mormons; Babies; Books-Reviews; In this work of fiction, Ann Cannon has created a convincing world in which people struggle with real sorrows, make mistakes, and press forward with faith. Charlotte is a strong-willed young girl who takes on the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a baby named Rose after the babies' mother dies in childbirth. The relationship the two develop is touching but honest as Charlotte discovers both the joys and difficulties associated with raising a baby. Not only is Charlotte a fully drawn, interesting character with all the ups and downs of a twelve-year old girl, but the supporting characters are also fleshed out with strengths and challenges of their own. Cannon has done an excellent job of combining faith, personal growth, and a strong sense of community into a novel that is lovely and authentic.
