Katie’s worries seem to know no limits when Papa is called away to fight during the rebellion of 1838. She has promised Papa to do her best to help Mama with her younger siblings in their endless struggle for food, warmth, and survival. As she strives to emulate Mama’s quiet confidence, Katie’s best efforts always seem to fall short.

 

While initially convinced that women cannot do the same tasks as men while facing the rigours of life in the backwoods, Katie’s doubts and troubles lead her to self-discovery and a closer relationship to the natural world.