DNF. The writing style is absolutely horrible. I
think the author is trying to imitate in writing what he believes to be an Old West accent and mannerisms. In narrative style. It's insulting, even to young readers. I am completely flummoxed as to how this book, in a world that already had classics like Little Women, with beautiful prose, could have chosen this for any type of award, ever. I'll keep it just to have a complete (one day) collection of the Newbery awards, but would never, ever recommend it for any child to read. I couldn't even get through it as an adult, it felt like a total waste of my time.
