This is probably one of the books I've read the most. It's adorable. It's hilarious. It's full of Ferris' typical quirky and wonderful characters. And it just really makes my heart happy. Ferris knows how to write a Wild West story.
The best part of all Ferris' books are really the memorable characters. An orphan girl with a love of books and a boarding house to run. Her journalism-obsessed crush. The dark and stupid villain with nefarious (and kind of ridiculous) deeds to accomplish. And the well-meaning and misguided guy who's maybe a villain and maybe a hero? Plus, the boarders/miners - they're adorable and so cute. And exactly what our little orphan girl needs.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers.