For fifteen-year-old Matti Ojala and his family, Finnish immigrants in Minnesota in 1900, starting a new life in America is both a hardship and an opportunity. After a tragic mining accident kills their beloved uncle, the family turns away from on the iron mines to pursue the dream of owning a homestead in the wilderness. This means constant hard work and new challenges for the entire family. But will it also allow Matti, the in-between child, the chance to escape from his older brother’s shadow and gain the approval of his father, which he so desperately desires?

William Durbin is a former high school and college English teacher and the award-winning author of ten novels, including Wintering and The Broken Blade. He lives on Lake Vermilion at the edge of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

"William Durbin’s attention to detail—both historical and fictional—makes him one of today’s masters of historical YA fiction."—David Gill, ALAN/National Council of Teachers of English

"Compelling historical fiction."—School Library Journal

"A rich introduction to both an important aspect of the American experience and a memorable and immensely likable family."—Booklist

"It is a wholesome family story."—Duluth Budgeteer News

"A page turning novel."—The Ely Summer Times

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