Our Only May Amelia

★ “This novel is not to be missed.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“An unforgettable heroine narrates Holm’s extraordinary debut novel. May Amelia’s spunky narrative voice gives the novel its immediacy and potency. Not to be missed.” (Publishers Weekly)

“The robust characterizations captivate, the lilting dialogue twangs, and the sharply individual first-person narrative gives the material authority and polish.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“Give this to your readers who are seeking new frontiers.” ( )

“The voice of the colloquial first-person narrative rings true and provides a vivid picture of frontier and pioneer life in Washington State in 1899.” (Horn Book)

“May Amelia, 12, is the only girl in a family of Western pioneers at the tail end of the 19th century. She chafes against her parents’ instructions to be a Proper Young Lady. Nothing can stop her from exploring the wilderness in what will eventually become Washington State. Engaging.” (Brightly.com)

She may be a miracle, but she's no proper young lady!

It isn't easy being a pioneer in the state of Washington in 1899, but it's particularly hard when you are the only girl ever born in the new settlement. With seven older brothers and a love of adventure, May Amelia Jackson just can't seem to abide her family's insistence that she behave like a Proper Young Lady. Not when there's fishing to be done, sheep to be herded, and real live murderers to be captured! May is sure she could manage better if only there were at least one other girl living along the banks of the Nasel River. And now that Mama's going to have a baby, maybe there's hope....

00-01 Utah Book Award (Gr. 3-6) and 00-01 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Bk Award Masterlist

Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council, 2000 Newbery Honor Book, and 2000 Notable Children's Books (ALA)