Fifteen-year-old Katie McBride, daughter of an abusive alcoholic, faces juvenile detention until a judge offers her a two-week pioneer handcart trek instead. Packing a mysterious journal she discovered beneath her floorboards, Katie is thrown together with a 'handcart family' of church kids. As she reads the 1848 diary of her ancestor Katherine—who crossed the plains with faith after losing her husband—Katie discovers courage, friendship, forgiveness, and, ultimately, the love of God she never believed could be meant for her. A modern rebellious teen and her pioneer ancestor share the same name—and a journal written across 150 years just for her. Perfect companion read for youth trek season: shows teens why the pioneers walked. A gritty, honest portrait of a girl from a broken home who finds she's worth saving. Faith-affirming without being preachy—hardship, humor, and a clean romance. “You are mine. The words flowed simply into Katie's mind. You are mine. And I will lead you by the hand and give you strength.”Perfect for an LDS teen girl (or her parent) who enjoys pioneer stories and faith-affirming fiction about overcoming hard family circumstances.
