Every child older than nine should read this book. Every adult in America should read it for the history alone. It is witty, humorous, factual and introspective. It will bring tears to your eyes and a chuckle to your lips. It is the story of an ordinary man who has led an extra-ordinary life. He has climbed mountains and lived with and taught Indians. He has painted in oils and written 22 books. He is an expert woodworker and has a master gardener diploma. It is the story of survival by a brave family during the great depression of the 1930s. It describes conditions and recounts experiences. Reviewers have listed it as a must read.