About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins asking big questions about survival, scarcity, or how people in the past found the strength to keep going during times of loss. Set in the Jamestown colony during the winter of 1609, this diary-style novel provides a window into the life of Elizabeth Barker as she faces extreme hunger and the death of loved ones. It is a powerful tool for teaching historical empathy and the concept of grit. While the subject matter is heavy, the story is told through the accessible and intimate lens of a young girl's private thoughts. It balances the grim realities of history with a steady heartbeat of hope and familial love. This is an ideal choice for elementary-aged readers who are ready to move beyond basic history into more nuanced, emotional explorations of human resilience and the importance of documenting one's own story.
