Ten-year-old Lizzy Baker loves her life in the Southwest Territory. Her family’s farm is doing well, and her mother earns extra money by weaving. But at harvest time Lizzy suffers bouts of sickness. And each year is worse than the last. The doctor and the mid-wife say her terrible coughing is asthma. But they don’t know the cause, and their potions and prescriptions aren’t much help.

 

Just when Lizzy thinks she can no longer struggle for another breath, the first frost brings relief. Now she can enjoy the new neighbors from Charleston and help mother prepare for the baby. But through it all, Lizzy worries—can she survive the sickness another time?

 

Novelist Kimberly Brubaker Bradley paints a vivid portrait of pioneer life in what is present-day Tennessee.

 

Publishers Weekly praises the author’s work: “… poignant and accessible.”