2020 AWARD-WINNING BOOK
Finalist for the WILLA Literary Award, September 2020, which honors the best in literature, featuring women’s or girls’ stories set in the West. The award, judged by professional librarians, historians, and university-affiliated educators, is named in honor of Pulitzer Prize winner Willa Cather, one of America’s foremost novelists.
This tender, coming-of-age story is set against the drama of the western migration that forever altered America, as powerfully as it changed its pioneers. Young readers will journey along with Katie as she discovers the power of her own wisdom and finds her way in this poignant tribute to life, innocence and joy.
REVIEWS
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Such a beautiful book!
Wow! I loved this book! It is full of wisdom and grace. I read it out loud to my children ages 10 and 7 and they loved it also.
To get a glimpse into what it was like to travel in a covered wagon to California in 1852 is beyond eye opening. These people had courage and an adventurous spirit beyond anything I can even imagine.
And to get to know the main character Katie...oh what a gift she is! I felt proud reading this book to my kids because not only are they learning about our history, but they are witnessing wise, kind, courageous human beings interacting with each other.
It was so beautiful! I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for a sequel!
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A must read for all ages!
Covington-Carter excellently crafts a story that deeply touched me on many levels.
A young person's story of personal growth and healing, the awe-inspiring journey itself that so many historically undertook, the understanding of traditions and how they allow us to touch the people who gave us our legacies, and the poignancy and tenderness of a journey of love itself.
She colors this book with sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures and I was totally transported into Katie's world. It is filled with wisdom, grace, adventure and love and it is just a great story!
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Captivating for an adolescent or the adolescent in each of us!
The author read this book to my 6th grade class and they loved it. The historical and emotional content captivated them.
A realistic and historically factual description of the reality pioneers faced in their journey west in 1852. A touching story of a 13-year-old girl’s experiences with the challenges of a five-month journey.
Well written targeting the early adolescent. Highly recommended juvenile literature!