A definite read for those fans of the first Maude March book. A bit slow and somewhat far-fetched at some places, yet an adventurous read that explains the next episode in the trios' lives. The ending left more loose threads that might transpire...in a third book? ( )

From School Library Journal
Grade 5–7—The excitement of the Wild West comes to life in this action-packed sequel to The Misadventures of Maude March (Random, 2005). Orphans Sallie, 12, and Maude, 16, continue their adventures, again traveling west in search of their Uncle Arlen and a place they can call home. Maude is unjustly accused of being a horse thief, bank robber, and murderer, and the two girls and their companion, Joe Harden, barely manage to stay one step ahead of the law as they dash across desert and prairie. Joe is a charmingly hapless con man, and the interaction among these three characters provides lots of humor, especially when Maude's fame produces a bunch of copycat outlaws. Sallie's voice as the "wise innocent" with plenty of colorful language is just right as she sees through the hypocrisy of a delicious array of eccentric characters and repeatedly saves the day for her companions. Descriptive details about medical practices, terrain, railroads, food, towns, forts, etc., are woven seamlessly into the lively story and provide a real feel for the flavor of the Old West and life on the trail. There are a few too many annoying references to unexplained characters and events from the earlier book, but they may encourage readers to go back and catch up with the girls' previous exploits. A satisfying sequel.—Quinby Frank, formerly at Green Hedges School, Vienna, VA
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Book Description
The papers call Maude notorious. But 12-year-old Sallie knows her big sister didn't do the things the stories say . . . not on purpose anyway. In fact, she and Maude have made a fresh start and are trying to live on the up-and-up. But just when the girls are settling into their new life, Maude is arrested—and before you can say "jailbreak," the orphaned sisters are back on the run!

In the sequel to the critically acclaimed The Misadventures of Maude March, Newbery Honor winner Audrey Couloumbis once again takes on a dizzingly fast, delightfully rowdy, and altogether heartwarming ride through the old west—proving that half the fun of any journey is the getting there. ( )