Wanda Wayne Colter’s family lives behind Boar’s Head Tavern in upstate New York on a well-traveled coach road on the Susquehanna River. Isolated from neighbors, twenty miles from Harpersville, New York, they are trying to eek out a living serving travelers during the Civil War. Wanda, seventeen, is the oldest of five children. One night Wanda’s father, drunker than usual, goes off to bed, leaving her to lock up. She is attacked by a traveler. When she runs outside trying to escape, he catches up with her and falls on top of her. The dog Wanda has trained comes to her rescue. Mistreated by her family and unloved at home, Wanda disguises herself as a boy and insists the family call her “Wayne.” She cuts her hair and wears a man’s hat. Her man-sized clothes hide her body so well that no one, except her family, knows her true gender. She feels safer and is allowed to continue the disguise, despite her mother’s objections. Late in her child-bearing years, her mother, Winnie, is expecting another child. Having a very difficult pregnancy, she stays in bed most of the time. With each of Winnie’s pregnancies, Wanda, angry and bitter about another baby coming, is forced to take over more of the work. Wanda’s father, Wayne Colter, is disappointed that his first child was not a boy; he treats Wanda as a son, giving her the responsibilities and work of a young man. She is afraid to cross her father. He is physically and verbally abusive to both Wanda and her mother. Her father expects her to keep a garden going, to milk the cow, to help out in the tavern. The younger children expect her fix their meals with very little food available. Her younger sister, Emma, and her brother, Cletus, twelve, impose on Wanda, expecting her to do both their work and hers. Although the tavern enjoys a busy trade, Mr. Colter goes further into debt. His gambling and drinking are getting worse as he becomes middle-aged and feels hopeless about getting ahead. With the Civil War in its second year, Wayne tries to join up. He wants to escape his responsibilities and indulge his passions, gambling and drinking. When told he is too old to serve, he takes out his frustrations on his family, especially Wanda. She is visible evidence of the years that have passed since his youth. When Wanda is offered a job on a nearby farm, her mother refuses to allow her to leave. She is even more dependent on her with a new baby coming. She accuses Wanda of trying to find a life of ease. Wanda sees no way to make money to help with the indebtedness of the family, nor any prospects for marriage. She feels helpless to change her situation and sees a hopeless future. Two young Union recruits, Zachary and Obediah, stop by the tavern bragging about how much money the army pays. They are convinced the war won’t last long, because the Rebels are on the run. They think Wanda, known to them as “Wayne,” should join up with them. Her mother is totally opposed, saying that only a loose woman would do such a thing, that her daughter’s morals are more important than money. Young “Wayne” decides to slip away the next morning and go with Zack and Obie to war. They accept her as a friend and, for the first time, she is treated like a worthwhile person. On the hot walk to Harpersville, Zack and Obie suggest they cool off in a lake. Wayne gives first one excuse, then another. She wanders away, pretending to find a bird’s nest. She does not realize this is the beginning of a way of life - disguising her true self. At the sign-up office in Harpersville, the surgeon who is charged with giving them an army medical exam is unavailable. The extent of the physical is to hold out their hands and demonstrate that they have a working trigger finger. All three of the “boys” look younger than eighteen, but seem healthy and their teeth are strong enough to rip open a minie ball cartridge. Wayne is able to relieve herself in private. Her secret is safe for the time being. Wayne and the other two recruits are sent to Alexandria, Virginia, for a brief training, then directly to Washingon City as a part of the 153rd Regiment, New York State Volunteers. On the regimental roll she is described as 5 feet, 5 inches, fair complexioned, with brown hair and brown eyes. Her occupation is listed as “farmer.” Her army career has begun. Wayne becomes closer to Zack and Obie, but they never suspect that she is a girl. Zack begins to feel uncomfortable about his strong attraction to Wayne. It causes him so much unease that he tries to distance himself, but still wants to be with her and Obie. Wayne is also attracted to Zack, but knowing nothing of the ways of the world, she is totally unaware of what is causing the tense situation. In her heart she is still a woman and wonders about her own sexuality. Why did she want to be a man? Can she stay in the Army and still maintain her true sexuality? Why is Zack so often in a bad mood? While in Washington to quell the draft riots, they guard the depot of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and patrol the city. She has the opportunity to watch the completion of the Capitol Dome and the placement of the Goddess of Liberty on top. Since the 153rd is so well disciplined and well thought of, they are given the honor of living in tents closer to the Capitol than any other regiment. The 153rd is in charge of the celebration in which a hundred guns are fired in honor of the placement of the Goddess of Liberty. For many months the war is a wonderful adventure for Wayne. Having been taught to read and write by her mother, she writes letters home and receives a few letters from her mother. One letter tells about birth of a new baby brother. Conditions at the tavern continue to be desperate. Most of Wayne’s $13 a month salary is sent to her family in New York. She keeps enough for stamps and a little tobacco. The soldiers are convinced it has a medicinal effect and keeps them from catching malaria and dysentery. Before the year is over, the 153rd is sent to the field to become a part of a fighting campaign. On a forced march, the troops face such a scarcity of water that they drink from any slough, even though animals are decomposing in the filthy water. Many sicken and die on the march. Private Wayne Colter faces the realities of war at Magnolia Hill. Zack, Obie, and Wayne fight bravely. As the war becomes more frightening, Wayne realizes how badly she has treated her family and writes letters asking for forgiveness. Personal relationships are on hold for a while. Wayne loses heart when Obie is killed and Zack asks to be transferred to another regiment. He is embarrassed and ashamed of his growing attachment to Wayne and hopes to overcome his “unnatural” desires by being away from her. Wayne is devastated at the loss of her best friends. In a fierce battle Wayne is injured. Clara Barton, a nurse in the field hospital, discovers Wayne’s secret identify. The women become friends and confide in each other. Both gain insight into events in their childhood that caused them to rebel against society’s expectations. Through Clara Barton’s influence, Wayne becomes Wanda once again and is quietly discharged and returns to upstate New York. Her father has drank himself to death. With Wanda’s Army pay the tavern is in better condition now. When Zack gets out of the Army, he decides to look up his old Army buddy, Wayne. Zack has undergone a tough war and matured enough to think he can handle the confused feelings he had toward Wayne. He believes he only felt friendly, rather than shameful and deviant. He remembers where the Boar’s Head Tavern is and rides over one day to see if he can find out if Wayne survived the war. When Zack and Wayne meet again, she has reverted to Wanda. Zack thinks she is a sister of Wayne’s, but looking at her, he recognized Wayne. He feels betrayed and leaves, angry and embarrassed. Wanda loses all hope of ever finding him again and making him understand why she deceived him. Zack str

Wanda Wayne Colter’s family lives behind Boar’s Head Tavern in upstate New York on a well-traveled coach road on the Susquehanna River. Isolated from neighbors, twenty miles from Harpersville, New York, they are trying to eek out a living serving travelers during the Civil War. Wanda, seventeen, is the oldest of five children. One night Wanda’s father, drunker than usual, goes off to bed, leaving her to lock up. She is attacked by a traveler. When she runs outside trying to escape, he catches up with her and falls on top of her. The dog Wanda has trained comes to her rescue. Mistreated by her family and unloved at home, Wanda disguises herself as a boy and insists the family call her “Wayne.” She cuts her hair and wears a man’s hat. Her man-sized clothes hide her body so well that no one, except her family, knows her true gender. She feels safer and is allowed to continue the disguise, despite her mother’s objections. Late in her child-bearing years, her mother, Winnie, is expecting another child. Having a very difficult pregnancy, she stays in bed most of the time. With each of Winnie’s pregnancies, Wanda, angry and bitter about another baby coming, is forced to take over more of the work. Wanda’s father, Wayne Colter, is disappointed that his first child was not a boy; he treats Wanda as a son, giving her the responsibilities and work of a young man. She is afraid to cross her father. He is physically and verbally abusive to both Wanda and her mother. Her father expects her to keep a garden going, to milk the cow, to help out in the tavern. The younger children expect her fix their meals with very little food available. Her younger sister, Emma, and her brother, Cletus, twelve, impose on Wanda, expecting her to do both their work and hers. Although the tavern enjoys a busy trade, Mr. Colter goes further into debt. His gambling and drinking are getting worse as he becomes middle-aged and feels hopeless about getting ahead. With the Civil War in its second year, Wayne tries to join up. He wants to escape his responsibilities and indulge his passions, gambling and drinking. When told he is too old to serve, he takes out his frustrations on his family, especially Wanda. She is visible evidence of the years that have passed since his youth. When Wanda is offered a job on a nearby farm, her mother refuses to allow her to leave. She is even more dependent on her with a new baby coming. She accuses Wanda of trying to find a life of ease. Wanda sees no way to make money to help with the indebtedness of the family, nor any prospects for marriage. She feels helpless to change her situation and sees a hopeless future. Two young Union recruits, Zachary and Obediah, stop by the tavern bragging about how much money the army pays. They are convinced the war won’t last long, because the Rebels are on the run. They think Wanda, known to them as “Wayne,” should join up with them. Her mother is totally opposed, saying that only a loose woman would do such a thing, that her daughter’s morals are more important than money. Young “Wayne” decides to slip away the next morning and go with Zack and Obie to war. They accept her as a friend and, for the first time, she is treated like a worthwhile person. On the hot walk to Harpersville, Zack and Obie suggest they cool off in a lake. Wayne gives first one excuse, then another. She wanders away, pretending to find a bird’s nest. She does not realize this is the beginning of a way of life - disguising her true self. At the sign-up office in Harpersville, the surgeon who is charged with giving them an army medical exam is unavailable. The extent of the physical is to hold out their hands and demonstrate that they have a working trigger finger. All three of the “boys” look younger than eighteen, but seem healthy and their teeth are strong enough to rip open a minie ball cartridge. Wayne is able to relieve herself in private. Her secret is safe for the time being. Wayne and the other two recruits are sent to Alexandria, Virginia, for a brief training, then directly to Washingon City as a part of the 153rd Regiment, New York State Volunteers. On the regimental roll she is described as 5 feet, 5 inches, fair complexioned, with brown hair and brown eyes. Her occupation is listed as “farmer.” Her army career has begun. Wayne becomes closer to Zack and Obie, but they never suspect that she is a girl. Zack begins to feel uncomfortable about his strong attraction to Wayne. It causes him so much unease that he tries to distance himself, but still wants to be with her and Obie. Wayne is also attracted to Zack, but knowing nothing of the ways of the world, she is totally unaware of what is causing the tense situation. In her heart she is still a woman and wonders about her own sexuality. Why did she want to be a man? Can she stay in the Army and still maintain her true sexuality? Why is Zack so often in a bad mood? While in Washington to quell the draft riots, they guard the depot of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and patrol the city. She has the opportunity to watch the completion of the Capitol Dome and the placement of the Goddess of Liberty on top. Since the 153rd is so well disciplined and well thought of, they are given the honor of living in tents closer to the Capitol than any other regiment. The 153rd is in charge of the celebration in which a hundred guns are fired in honor of the placement of the Goddess of Liberty. For many months the war is a wonderful adventure for Wayne. Having been taught to read and write by her mother, she writes letters home and receives a few letters from her mother. One letter tells about birth of a new baby brother. Conditions at the tavern continue to be desperate. Most of Wayne’s $13 a month salary is sent to her family in New York. She keeps enough for stamps and a little tobacco. The soldiers are convinced it has a medicinal effect and keeps them from catching malaria and dysentery. Before the year is over, the 153rd is sent to the field to become a part of a fighting campaign. On a forced march, the troops face such a scarcity of water that they drink from any slough, even though animals are decomposing in the filthy water. Many sicken and die on the march. Private Wayne Colter faces the realities of war at Magnolia Hill. Zack, Obie, and Wayne fight bravely. As the war becomes more frightening, Wayne realizes how badly she has treated her family and writes letters asking for forgiveness. Personal relationships are on hold for a while. Wayne loses heart when Obie is killed and Zack asks to be transferred to another regiment. He is embarrassed and ashamed of his growing attachment to Wayne and hopes to overcome his “unnatural” desires by being away from her. Wayne is devastated at the loss of her best friends. In a fierce battle Wayne is injured. Clara Barton, a nurse in the field hospital, discovers Wayne’s secret identify. The women become friends and confide in each other. Both gain insight into events in their childhood that caused them to rebel against society’s expectations. Through Clara Barton’s influence, Wayne becomes Wanda once again and is quietly discharged and returns to upstate New York. Her father has drank himself to death. With Wanda’s Army pay the tavern is in better condition now. When Zack gets out of the Army, he decides to look up his old Army buddy, Wayne. Zack has undergone a tough war and matured enough to think he can handle the confused feelings he had toward Wayne. He believes he only felt friendly, rather than shameful and deviant. He remembers where the Boar’s Head Tavern is and rides over one day to see if he can find out if Wayne survived the war. When Zack and Wayne meet again, she has reverted to Wanda. Zack thinks she is a sister of Wayne’s, but looking at her, he recognized Wayne. He feels betrayed and leaves, angry and embarrassed. Wanda loses all hope of ever finding him again and making him understand why she deceived him. Zack str

Illustrated poetry tracing the loves in Pocahontas’s life from infancy to her death as a young adult is written for all ages. It will likely appeal mostly to adolescent girls, who may identify with Pocahontas’s admirable qualities.

This Algonquian Native American female is best known for her generosity in feeding the hungry English people who arrived uninvited to her homeland and for her strong willed spirit in assisting Captain John Smith. The book emphasizes the loving heart that motivated all of Pocahontas´s behavior. It is written with as much historical accuracy as was possible for the author to glean from her excellent resources. The author has included a map and appendix of Algonquian > English words.

Since Merry’s life has been rich in love for children and rich with fascination for American history a book like William’s Light Goes Out: A Story of Nags Head and Pirates was a certainty. Her grandchildren Clara, Samuel, and Gary are arch types of the characters Hazel and William in this historical drama.

The story background is the Outer Banks on the Atlantic seaboard in North Carolina. During the 17th and 18th centuries the Atlantic seaboard was an area of much sea pirate activity. A variation of piracy evolved in the Outer Banks known as land piracy. This story of intrique involves a brother and sister, perhaps 10 and 8 years old, who encounter these land pirates. These young courageous siblings use their problem-solving skills to outwit their adult enemies. By combining hope and bravery, they handle an urgent situation successfully.

William was aware that something had gone terribly wrong. This tournament, which was supposed to be friendly, had suddenly turned deadly. Sir John de Elton came riding up the hill at full gallop. He reined up at the brink of the hill, where William was kneeling, and drew his sword. “Thomas,” he yelled. “Protect the Lord de Braose!” The Lord de Braose? William thought, as he opened his eyes and looked up at the young knight. My father is the Lord de Braose, not me. “What are you doing?” William demanded. “Where is my father?” “He has fallen, My Lord,” Sir John replied. “Your father has been murdered.” William de Braose, age eleven, had ridden beside his father, a powerful Norman Lord, to his first tournament. Isolde had warned him before they left home that his father was in great danger, but what did she, a little girl, know? Some said she had the second sight, but for William she was nothing but a pest. Very few people were aware of the great storm brewing that summer of 1232 within the English court. Little did William know that he would soon be thrust into the center of that storm. Book one in this fourteen-book series, William de Braose, Squire of Winchester, describes William’s adventures on his way to the tournament that will change his life forever. At each castle where the Braose entourage stops on its week-long trip to the Salisbury tournament, it is treated to the finest food and best stories in the land. William thrills to the tales from Britain’s rich literary heritage. His excitement can hardly be contained as the entourage finally reaches Salisbury and the Last Tournament begins.Trent Stephens

William was aware that something had gone terribly wrong. This tournament, which was supposed to be friendly, had suddenly turned deadly. Sir John de Elton came riding up the hill at full gallop. He reined up at the brink of the hill, where William was kneeling, and drew his sword. “Thomas,” he yelled. “Protect the Lord de Braose!” The Lord de Braose? William thought, as he opened his eyes and looked up at the young knight. My father is the Lord de Braose, not me. “What are you doing?” William demanded. “Where is my father?” “He has fallen, My Lord,” Sir John replied. “Your father has been murdered.” William de Braose, age eleven, had ridden beside his father, a powerful Norman Lord, to his first tournament. Isolde had warned him before they left home that his father was in great danger, but what did she, a little girl, know? Some said she had the second sight, but for William she was nothing but a pest. Very few people were aware of the great storm brewing that summer of 1232 within the English court. Little did William know that he would soon be thrust into the center of that storm. Book one in this fourteen-book series, William de Braose, Squire of Winchester, describes William’s adventures on his way to the tournament that will change his life forever. At each castle where the Braose entourage stops on its week-long trip to the Salisbury tournament, it is treated to the finest food and best stories in the land. William thrills to the tales from Britain’s rich literary heritage. His excitement can hardly be contained as the entourage finally reaches Salisbury and the Last Tournament begins.Trent Stephens

Twelve year-old Tad Wheeler lives in Boston in 1775 where British soldiers are on every corner. Because Tad has been given an old French drum, he makes friends with Packie, a drummer in the British army. This new friendship upsets David, who wants Tad to go on a mission with him for the Sons of Liberty. Will this adventure involve Tad more deeply with those who oppose British rule? Will Tad have to make a choice between his old friends and new? A terrible battle will test them all.

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

No Description Available.

A MESSAGE TO TEACHERS AND PARENTS

I am a reader. When I was very young, I was fortunate to have a wonderful primary teacher who recognized the reader in me and fed it with an unending stream of books. Though she is worthy of much more, this first book is dedicated to her.

There was a delightful little library on Main Street in Salem, Virginia. It was quaint and inviting in its park-like setting, and I was privileged to spend many hours there. I remember, though, that the books did not jump off the shelves at me. Sometimes they sat there and put up a passive resistance, almost as if they were the enemy of my desire to read. Still, I persevered, and I found good books to enjoy.

But I was motivated to read. What of the student who is not so motivated, who can take reading or leave it to spend time in other ways? Would we have that student spend time in those other ways, never to learn the joy of reading a good story or to experience the thrill of becoming lost in a good book? I hope not without a fight.

So that is what "Nightmare at Indian Cave" is about. The title is chosen to jump off the shelf at the student. The book is deliberately short. I hope it will not intimidate even the most reluctant reader. The chapters are not overly long and hopefully they will keep the reader's attention. The subject matter should interest kids, especially those from the mountains and rural settings. The vocabulary is not difficult, though it is not without the occasional challenge. Dialogue is used extensively in the belief that it has a power to involve the reader. One university English professor called the book "a real page turner". I considered that a great compliment because that is exactly what I intended the book to be. I only hope he was right, but I won't know until the book is in your students' hands.

Though this book is a fantasy, and is a fiction in every respect, I made some effort to be true to history. Daniel Boone is known to have been in what is now Scott County, Virginia at about this time. Benge was not. He came along a few years later. Our Benge is the product of a boy's nightmare, and though he may be based on the legend of "Chief" Robert Benge, he is fictional. The real Benge was probably Cherokee, though opinion on that is divided. The mention of beehive coke ovens may be noticed. They have been dormant for some time now, but I could not resist reviving them.

Tony and Jon are unwilling participants when they find themselves transported back into the year 1774 with Billy. However it happened, they are trapped with Billy in a nightmare adventure. The monster, Hargus, a bear-like pioneer and Benge's partner, wants to kill Billy in a scheme for vengeance that transcends time and dimension. Only the strong pioneer girl, Emily, can save the boys. She doesn't understand how, but she knows that she and Billy must somehow save themselves together. As they are pursued by Hargus and Benge, the boys' knowledge of the mountainous area becomes a factor in the survival of the pioneer town and its inhabitants, and each of the boys and Emily are tested before they finally meet the evil Hargus in a fight to the death.

Middle School students should enjoy this book. It was written for them; however, many older students and adults may find the story interesting. Not enough has been written about the history of the Appalachian Mountains and their place in America's history. The fascinating legend of the Melungeons is beginning to get some attention, but so far much of what is written about these mountain people is contradictory or negative. I don't attempt to throw light on that controversy. I simply want to point out that these people were here when the first pioneers came to the Virginia mountains, and they have a place in our history, as well as our fiction.

The town of Guest's Crossing does not exist, but if it did you would find it on Guest River near the head of Powell Valley. Those fortunate enough to have lived or visited in this area know it to be one of the most beautiful areas in the Appalachian Mountains. The drive through present day Wise and Lee Counties in Southwestern Virginia is so beautiful that one can only speculate on the wonderful stories that led Daniel Boone to pass through instead of making his home on the East side of Cumberland Gap. If you have the chance, its a side trip well worth taking. Until then, perhaps this book will lead you to others about the same area.

A MESSAGE TO TEACHERS AND PARENTS

I am a reader. When I was very young, I was fortunate to have a wonderful primary teacher who recognized the reader in me and fed it with an unending stream of books. Though she is worthy of much more, this first book is dedicated to her.

There was a delightful little library on Main Street in Salem, Virginia. It was quaint and inviting in its park-like setting, and I was privileged to spend many hours there. I remember, though, that the books did not jump off the shelves at me. Sometimes they sat there and put up a passive resistance, almost as if they were the enemy of my desire to read. Still, I persevered, and I found good books to enjoy.

But I was motivated to read. What of the student who is not so motivated, who can take reading or leave it to spend time in other ways? Would we have that student spend time in those other ways, never to learn the joy of reading a good story or to experience the thrill of becoming lost in a good book? I hope not without a fight.

So that is what "Nightmare at Indian Cave" is about. The title is chosen to jump off the shelf at the student. The book is deliberately short. I hope it will not intimidate even the most reluctant reader. The chapters are not overly long and hopefully they will keep the reader's attention. The subject matter should interest kids, especially those from the mountains and rural settings. The vocabulary is not difficult, though it is not without the occasional challenge. Dialogue is used extensively in the belief that it has a power to involve the reader. One university English professor called the book "a real page turner". I considered that a great compliment because that is exactly what I intended the book to be. I only hope he was right, but I won't know until the book is in your students' hands.

Though this book is a fantasy, and is a fiction in every respect, I made some effort to be true to history. Daniel Boone is known to have been in what is now Scott County, Virginia at about this time. Benge was not. He came along a few years later. Our Benge is the product of a boy's nightmare, and though he may be based on the legend of "Chief" Robert Benge, he is fictional. The real Benge was probably Cherokee, though opinion on that is divided. The mention of beehive coke ovens may be noticed. They have been dormant for some time now, but I could not resist reviving them.

Tony and Jon are unwilling participants when they find themselves transported back into the year 1774 with Billy. However it happened, they are trapped with Billy in a nightmare adventure. The monster, Hargus, a bear-like pioneer and Benge's partner, wants to kill Billy in a scheme for vengeance that transcends time and dimension. Only the strong pioneer girl, Emily, can save the boys. She doesn't understand how, but she knows that she and Billy must somehow save themselves together. As they are pursued by Hargus and Benge, the boys' knowledge of the mountainous area becomes a factor in the survival of the pioneer town and its inhabitants, and each of the boys and Emily are tested before they finally meet the evil Hargus in a fight to the death.

Middle School students should enjoy this book. It was written for them; however, many older students and adults may find the story interesting. Not enough has been written about the history of the Appalachian Mountains and their place in America's history. The fascinating legend of the Melungeons is beginning to get some attention, but so far much of what is written about these mountain people is contradictory or negative. I don't attempt to throw light on that controversy. I simply want to point out that these people were here when the first pioneers came to the Virginia mountains, and they have a place in our history, as well as our fiction.

The town of Guest's Crossing does not exist, but if it did you would find it on Guest River near the head of Powell Valley. Those fortunate enough to have lived or visited in this area know it to be one of the most beautiful areas in the Appalachian Mountains. The drive through present day Wise and Lee Counties in Southwestern Virginia is so beautiful that one can only speculate on the wonderful stories that led Daniel Boone to pass through instead of making his home on the East side of Cumberland Gap. If you have the chance, its a side trip well worth taking. Until then, perhaps this book will lead you to others about the same area.

THE HOPE CHEST beautifully parallels the journey of two related women who were separated by eighty years. Devastated by the break up of her recent romance, Jeannie Carey, a contemporary New York City woman, attends a family reunion in Nebraska. The discovery of the journal of her great aunt, Eva Jeannette, was a highlight of the gathering. Ms. Hogeboom utilizes excerpts from the journal to tell Eva Jean’s story.

Eva Jean was given the journal for her eighteenth birthday in 1912. This birthday was also special because Thomas Johannson asked her “to wait for him” as he moved from Nebraska to Colorado to homestead. In addition, Aunt Stella and Uncle Elroy gave Eva Jean a handmade hope chest, one she said would be filled with only lovingly crafted items to be used when she wed Mr. Johannson. Eva Jean rarely saw her beau, but she continually did her needlework when she wasn’t conscientiously preparing her schoolwork. We learn that Eva Jean was the first in her family to be educated and teach on the prairie. Being a schoolmarm required great sacrifices. Her social life was severely limited and she could not keep her position when she married. Eva Jean also struggled, like other pioneers, to survive the unpredictable weather, life-threatening tornadoes and floods that disrupted travel and communications.

THE HOPE CHEST grips your attention right from the start. The harshness of the prairie combined with excellent characterizations create feelings of suspense, sadness, joy and love. This novel is loosely based on Ms. Hogeboom’s great aunt’s journals and includes original photographs of this mid-western family of the early 190-0’s. This is no dry retelling of events and lives of those who lived on the prairie. The story concludes with modern day Jeannie using the example of her aunt to muster courage, believe in herself and have faith and hope to overcome the hardships life has to offer.

THE HOPE CHEST is a book you don’t want to put down once you begin to read it. It will delight girls and women of all ages. It makes a great gift.

Reviewed by: Nancy Mion and Dorothea Hanly, Elementary School Librarians.

THE HOPE CHEST beautifully parallels the journey of two related women who were separated by eighty years. Devastated by the break up of her recent romance, Jeannie Carey, a contemporary New York City woman, attends a family reunion in Nebraska. The discovery of the journal of her great aunt, Eva Jeannette, was a highlight of the gathering. Ms. Hogeboom utilizes excerpts from the journal to tell Eva Jean’s story.

Eva Jean was given the journal for her eighteenth birthday in 1912. This birthday was also special because Thomas Johannson asked her “to wait for him” as he moved from Nebraska to Colorado to homestead. In addition, Aunt Stella and Uncle Elroy gave Eva Jean a handmade hope chest, one she said would be filled with only lovingly crafted items to be used when she wed Mr. Johannson. Eva Jean rarely saw her beau, but she continually did her needlework when she wasn’t conscientiously preparing her schoolwork. We learn that Eva Jean was the first in her family to be educated and teach on the prairie. Being a schoolmarm required great sacrifices. Her social life was severely limited and she could not keep her position when she married. Eva Jean also struggled, like other pioneers, to survive the unpredictable weather, life-threatening tornadoes and floods that disrupted travel and communications.

THE HOPE CHEST grips your attention right from the start. The harshness of the prairie combined with excellent characterizations create feelings of suspense, sadness, joy and love. This novel is loosely based on Ms. Hogeboom’s great aunt’s journals and includes original photographs of this mid-western family of the early 190-0’s. This is no dry retelling of events and lives of those who lived on the prairie. The story concludes with modern day Jeannie using the example of her aunt to muster courage, believe in herself and have faith and hope to overcome the hardships life has to offer.

THE HOPE CHEST is a book you don’t want to put down once you begin to read it. It will delight girls and women of all ages. It makes a great gift.

Reviewed by: Nancy Mion and Dorothea Hanly, Elementary School Librarians.

THE HOPE CHEST beautifully parallels the journey of two related women who were separated by eighty years. Devastated by the break up of her recent romance, Jeannie Carey, a contemporary New York City woman, attends a family reunion in Nebraska. The discovery of the journal of her great aunt, Eva Jeannette, was a highlight of the gathering. Ms. Hogeboom utilizes excerpts from the journal to tell Eva Jean’s story.

Eva Jean was given the journal for her eighteenth birthday in 1912. This birthday was also special because Thomas Johannson asked her “to wait for him” as he moved from Nebraska to Colorado to homestead. In addition, Aunt Stella and Uncle Elroy gave Eva Jean a handmade hope chest, one she said would be filled with only lovingly crafted items to be used when she wed Mr. Johannson. Eva Jean rarely saw her beau, but she continually did her needlework when she wasn’t conscientiously preparing her schoolwork. We learn that Eva Jean was the first in her family to be educated and teach on the prairie. Being a schoolmarm required great sacrifices. Her social life was severely limited and she could not keep her position when she married. Eva Jean also struggled, like other pioneers, to survive the unpredictable weather, life-threatening tornadoes and floods that disrupted travel and communications.

THE HOPE CHEST grips your attention right from the start. The harshness of the prairie combined with excellent characterizations create feelings of suspense, sadness, joy and love. This novel is loosely based on Ms. Hogeboom’s great aunt’s journals and includes original photographs of this mid-western family of the early 190-0’s. This is no dry retelling of events and lives of those who lived on the prairie. The story concludes with modern day Jeannie using the example of her aunt to muster courage, believe in herself and have faith and hope to overcome the hardships life has to offer.

THE HOPE CHEST is a book you don’t want to put down once you begin to read it. It will delight girls and women of all ages. It makes a great gift.

Reviewed by: Nancy Mion and Dorothea Hanly, Elementary School Librarians.