An adventure story for 9-12 year old girls and adults with nostalgia for those times, or a regional interest in Upstate New York. Based on a real girlhood in a small village in Upstate New York, with fictionalized yet realistic characters, we follow Katie and her odd collection of neighborhood friends. Whether they are exploring Grandma’s attic or underground caverns; coping with chronic illness, a massive town fire or a destructive tornado; appreciating wild foods, natural beauty, and native crafts, or discovering the “ghost kids”, (who are quarantined kids who live upstairs and are always watching them), Katie’s lyric, detailed descriptions bring us there, growing with them as they develop self-reliance. Over 100 original pen and ink drawings and photos enhance the charm and realism of the story. Detailed historic notes are included for each chapter and will be useful for those who wish to further learn about regional history. An appendix of suggested activities related to the book adds to the overall value of this unique narrative.
