Based on a true story, this is lively historical fiction with a nice sense of character and adventure. Danny wishes that his dad would come home from Nevada for Christmas. He writes his dad a letter: I do not care if you strike it rich. I miss you. He's bitterly disappointed when the snow cuts off the mail until spring. But postman John Thompson insists he will get through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and deliver the letters. Danny watches the big, bearded man cut, shape, and sand a pair of skis, just like they do in Norway, and then the boy waits while Thompson skis 90 miles through the mountain storms with the mail. Of course, he brings Danny a letter back: I miss you too. I will be home for Christmas. The full-color illustrations on every page are packed with feeling and action. Beginning readers will enjoy the letters, the history, and the true survival story. They'll also like the clear, attractive map of the area and the afterword about the real Thompson. (Reviewed Dec. 1, 1991)

Based on the exploits of a real person, this richly illustrated, easy-to-read slice of social history re-creates the difficulties of living in northern California during the 1850s. Norwegian-born John Thompson skis across the treacherous Sierra Nevada mountains - previously thought to be impassable - to deliver a Christmas letter from a young boy to his father, who is digging for gold in Nevada. A good story as well as a useful one.

Based on a historical character, a Norwegian who came to 1850's California, a story about some of the earliest skis in the US. According to the author, Snowshoe Thompson'' used his skis to carry mail over the Sierra Nevada when the mountains were deep in snow. <p> Based on a historical character, a Norwegian who came to 1850's California, a story about some of the earliest skis in the US. According to the author,Snowshoe Thompson'' used his skis to carry mail over the Sierra Nevada when the mountains were deep in snow. In Levinson's fictional story, Thompson manufactures his own skis after his young friend Danny learns that the mail service has stopped until spring; Danny is distressed because he was counting on getting a letter to his pa in the Nevada gold fields. Thompson carries the letter, brings back a reply, and hopes to go back for Pa, too--in time for Christmas. Older readers may wonder whether Pa will master skiing in rough terrain in time to make the journey; otherwise, an interesting vignette from the past. Sandin's cheerful, generalized illustrations, crisply silhouetted against the white pages/snow, add appeal. (Easy reader. 5-9)</p> "

K-Gr 3-- This fictionalized account of John Thompson's first winter trek across the Sierra Nevada in the mid-19th century will captivate many beginning readers. When mail delivery is halted because of heavy snows, Norwegian-born Thompson (one of American's skiing pioneers) volunteers to deliver a young California boy's letter to his father in Carson City, Nevada. The boy, Danny, helps him make a pair of skis--splitting and sanding the wood planks, boiling the wood, and shaping the tips. Sandin's watercolor illustrations add to the understanding and emotion of the easy-to-read text. The rugged appearance of the pioneers, the work involved in making the skis, and the developing friendship between Thompson and Danny are revealed through the artwork. The snowstorm, with its white and grays, dominates and blends the colors. Although most of the townfolk think Thompson is foolhardy to attempt a crossing, the boy's faith is unfailing. This tale is especially appealing set against the background of Danny's loneliness for his father. Don't miss this warm bit of historical fiction set in a cold forbidding climate. (Unfortunately, the CIP classifies it as nonfiction.) --Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID