By Matt Ralphs (author)
"A gripping, stirring novelisation of Annie Oakley’s remarkable journey from childhood poverty to sharpshooting adventuress of the Wild West"
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Reeling with a spirit of resilience and against-the-odds accomplishment, in Little Sure Shot Matt Ralph has done exuberant justice to Annie Oakley’s extraordinary life. Pacey, and packed with pluck and heart, the storytelling is splendid.
We first meet Annie as a child on her parents’ Ohio farm, where she loves nothing more than going game hunting with her pa, even though folks don’t consider it a fitting activity for a girl. In the words of her ma, “Shooting and trapping that’s men’s business.
It’s not for women.” But when her family is struck by a tragic loss and fall into extreme poverty, Annie convinces Ma to let her put food on the table by hunting. Sadly, though, this isn’t enough and she’s sent away.
But Annie is nothing but courageous, and survives the most trying of circumstances through sheer grit and her talent for shooting, with her fortunes taking an upturn when she secures a deal to supply a storekeeper with game. “You know, you might just be the most surprising young woman who’s ever walked into my store,” he remarks. On her thrilling road to fame and fortune in the Wild West, Annie retains her big heart, finds romance and wins over countless nay-sayers who don’t believe a woman can shoot.
Shot-through with courage and adventure, Ralphs’ rendering of Oakley’s incredible rags-to-riches story is an inspiration.
Annie's family work hard to survive on their Ohio farm. Annie's happiest when hunting game with her pa, and she doesn't care one bit that it's not the kind of thing girls are meant to do. When tragedy strikes, the family is thrown into deepest poverty. Until one day, Annie dares to pick up Pa's old rifle, and find a way to feed her starving family.
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As the family's fortunes worsen, Annie is sent away to work, and life becomes an ever greater struggle. Yet Annie has the courage and pluck to survive - and her brilliance with a rifle starts to gain her more than just turkeys for the pot. Can Annie's amazing skills take her all the way to fame and fortune?
An inspiring novel based on the incredible life of sharpshooting star Annie Oakley.
'A terrific voice and a brilliant tale. One of those stories that are so difficult to put down' - Phil Earle
'A gritty yet charming tale of Annie Oakley's fight to rise above the hardship life throws at her. Little Sure Shot is a fascinating account of a strong and determined girl' - Lesley Parr
'Matt Ralphs has hit the bullseye with this big-hearted story of grit and determination from the American West' - Cat Weldon
'A beautifully crafted account of the troubled early years of Annie Oakley, Little Sure Shot zips along, keeping the history tight to the truth and the characters close to the reader. It's gripping and tender, wrapping heartbreaking themes in the heart-soaring joy that is success against the odds' - Rachel Delahaye
'An inspiring rags-to-riches story' - The Bookseller
Fire Girl author Matt Ralphs has always been fascinated by witches, ghosts and anything that sent a shiver down his spine - and as a child was convinced that his Suffolk home was haunted. His favourite childhood book was Enid Blyton's The Enchanted Wood, as it was magical, mysterious and a little bit weird - and his goal as an author is to create books that make children feel just as happy, scared and thrilled as he did when reading as a kid. If he had to choose between being a witch or being a demon he would plump for the latter, as he believes it might be fun to be evil for a while - but Shhh - don't tell anyone!
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Annie's family work hard to survive on their Ohio farm. Annie's happiest when hunting game with her pa, and she doesn't care one bit that it's not the kind of thing girls are meant to do.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Little Sure Shot and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Little Sure Shot features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Recommendations, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, People / Places, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, PSHE: Bullying and Discrimination, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), PSHE: Bereavement and Grief, Sporting Stories, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Little Sure Shot was written by Matt Ralphs and published by Andersen Press Ltd
Little Sure Shot has 292 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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