The Oklahoma Land Rush, Lucky Luke #20

Gr 8 Up—In this installment, Luke is asked by the federal government to monitor the historic Oklahoma land grab with the help of the cavalry. Major events in the book parallel history—the lineup on the territory line (as well as attempts by "sooners" to get in early), disputes over land, and the springing up of boomtowns—peppered with the usual jokes and physical humor characteristic of the series. There is quite a lot of text; that, plus references to actual events, makes Lucky Luke's adventures appropriate tie-ins to social-studies units as well as for leisure reading. New converts to the series will find plenty of volumes to keep themselves busy. The Oklahoma Land Rush was one of Goscinny's earlier entries in a run with artist Morris that would last nearly 30 years. Morris's art is distinctive—his use of solid colors to draw attention to various features of a given panel is frequent and effective. Lucky Luke (and other characters) smokes cigarettes and cigars, and alcohol is used on occasion, and they blend in naturally in the stereotypical Old West environment. Fans of character-driven series like "Tintin" and "Asterix" will find much to like in Lucky Luke.—Jason M. Poole, Webster Public Library, NY