TIDEWATER VALLEY

The Land of the Free series accomplishes the main goal admirably, in introducing younger readers to those divergent nationalities that make up the American melting pot. They have regional values as well, and cultural and economic contributions come through the individual characters. But, almost without exception, the books fail to keep the balance of story value as against as series' purpose. This too has that failing. Lisi and Chris have come to America from Switzerland to live with their uncle and aunt in Oregon. One learns a great deal of the costumes, work, home life and spirit of the Swiss-Americans. Fishing, boating, dancing, barn raising, the organizing of a cheese factory give one a sense of the adaptabilities of Swiss activities, occupations, interests to the American scene. The slender thread of plot is concerned with Lisi's struggles to get her crippled brother accepted and loved by an uncle who wanted a strong man to help on the farm. The characters emerge as real people, but the pace of story is slow.