Children's historical fiction, ages 9-12. Save on this all-in-one volume of all five historical children's books about colonial and revolutionary Massachusetts, by acclaimed author Lillie V. Albrecht:
Susanna's Candlestick
Susanna's strict Puritan father is determined to settle in the New World, where his family can worship God as they please. She has only one keepsake to bring to the remote, untamed New England of 1663: her silver candlestick. But when a gypsy foretells, "The light will show you the way," her candlestick seems very special indeed. Susanna carries it through a hard journey in a strange, wild land, until at last she finds in the gypsy's words an unexpected meaning.
The Spinning Wheel Secret
Joan's brothers didn't want a baby sister. So they called her Jo and never admitted that she was a girl. A properly-brought-up young Puritan girl in 1705 would never know all the useful skills, like fishing and swimming, that Jo learns from Dan and Sam, though when it comes to doing ordinary household tasks, she's hopeless. But when Indians attack and carry off Jo's mother, Jo will find her own resources and courage sorely tested.
Hannah's Hessian
Little Hannah has plenty to worry about in the spring of 1775-war, smallpox, storing enough food and firewood to last through the New England winters-and also school. But worst of all are the terrifying Hessians, soldiers hired to fight the American patriot army. And when Hessian prisoners pass through their own village, Hannah's greatest fear seems to be coming true...
The Grist Mill Secret
In 1775, in a hidden cellar below the lonely mill where Tabby lives, is a gunshop where Father makes muskets for the Minute Men. But when an English family, suspected by all to be loyalist spies, builds a country house nearby, Tabby is trapped between patriotism and friendship with the new neighbors. Can she remain friends with Alice and Jack and still keep the vital secret of the grist mill?
Deborah Remembers
Deborah, a very special doll, was created 300 years ago in New England: She can remember a terrible Indian massacre, the old Puritan settlements, the Revolutionary War, and the Underground Railroad. Deborah Remembers was based on many real local events and personalities from the history of Westfield, Massachusetts. Her long, rich, often poignant story will captivate you and touch your heart.
About the Author: Lillie V. Albrecht was a children's librarian in Westfield, Massachusetts. Her five historical children's books, which first delighted young readers in the 1950s and 60s, now return with annotations by Mrs. Albrecht's granddaughter, author Susanne Alleyn, to enthrall a whole new generation of readers.
