ROOM TO GROW

The Texas Panbandle in 1901 is the scene for this story of the Danton family, immigrants from France, and their life as ""nesters"" in their adopted country. Mama, Papa, 17-year-old Michele, 14-year-old Pierre, and his 12-year-old sister, Celeste, arrive in Texas to farm, are accepted by the townspeople, and become Americans. Hardships experiences such as July 4th and Christmas celebrations, learning to play baseball and a horse, fail to interest us in this rather pedestrian tale, ploddingly told. Situations are uninspired. Language is stilted and unreal in an attempt to duplicate the English of this French Family. The setting may inspire an 8-11 year old boy to start this book, but it's doubtful if he will finish it. A let-down from Mrs. Erdman.