Our Only May Amelia

Holm, Jennifer L.

ISBN 10: 1439502692 ISBN 13: 9781439502693

Synopsis

Approx. 4 hours  3 cassettes
Read by Emmy Rossum

Publishers Weekly Best Book of 1999

It isn't easy being a pioneer in the state of Washington in 1899 --particularly when you are the only girl ever born to the new settlement.  With seven older brothers and a love of adventure, May Amelia Jackson just can't seem to abide her family's insistence that she behave like a Proper Young Lady.  Not when there's fishing to be done, sheep to be hearded, and real live murderers to be captured!  All May needs is at least one other girl living along the banks of the Nasel River.  And now that Mama's going to have a baby, maybe there's hope.

About this title

Review:

★ "This novel is not to be missed."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An unforgettable heroine narrates Holm's extraordinary debut novel. May Amelia's spunky narrative voice gives the novel its immediacy and potency. Not to be missed."--Publishers Weekly

"The robust characterizations captivate, the lilting dialogue twangs, and the sharply individual first-person narrative gives the material authority and polish."--Kirkus Reviews

"Give this to your readers who are seeking new frontiers."--

"The voice of the colloquial first-person narrative rings true and provides a vivid picture of frontier and pioneer life in Washington State in 1899."--Horn Book

"May Amelia, 12, is the only girl in a family of Western pioneers at the tail end of the 19th century. She chafes against her parents' instructions to be a Proper Young Lady. Nothing can stop her from exploring the wilderness in what will eventually become Washington State. Engaging."--Brightly.com

From the Back Cover:

It isn′t easy being a pioneer in the state of Washington in 1899, but it′s particularly hard when you are the only girl ever born in the new settlement. With seven older brothers and a love of adventure, May Amelia Jackson just can′t seem to abide her family′s insistence that she behave like a Proper Young Lady. She′s sure she could do better if only there were at least one other girl living along the banks of the Nasel River. And now that Mama′s going to have a baby, maybe there′s hope.

Inspired by the diaries of her great-aunt, the real May Amelia, first-time novelist Jennifer Holm has given us a beautifully crafted tale of one young girl whose unique spirit captures the courage, humour, passion and depth of the American pioneer experience.

∗Newbery Honour Book (USA), 2000

Ages 10+

About this edition

• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1439502692
• ISBN 13: 9781439502693
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 253