Chiunyi Ko Ko itibaren Lathane, Bihar 814131, Hindistan
Harriet Scott was a real girl who, in the spring of 1852, at the age of eleven, joined a wagon train for Oregon with her large family (consisting of Harriet, her parents, her five sisters, and her three brothers). More is known about Harriet and her family than most pioneers, because one of her sisters kept a journal that was later published, and Harriet herself wrote and published a memoir as well. Taking the facts and filling in with what was not known, the author has crafted a believable tale about the difficulties and tragedies this family encountered, which included the deaths of Harriet's mother and youngest brother. But what is certainly true for the survivors is that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Harriet is portrayed as a spirited, adventurous tomboy who develops a fierce loyalty to her family. She often resents her older sisters, who try to curb her spirit and keep her out of trouble. This is one of the books from the American Sisters siters, an enjoyable middle grade historical fiction series.
I will never forget when we were discussing this book in Hum A and we mentioned that one part was referring to a gravestone and someone who hadn't realized that and obviously had reached a breaking point threw the book across the room. I need Colin to be on here to remind me whom it was. (For some reason, I believe maybe Nate? James?)