2002 OLA Silverbirch Award Nominee
Twelve-year-old Kate has always had to be more responsible than other girls her age. Since her mother’s death and her family's flight to Canada, Kate's father has relied on her to keep house and look after her younger twin brothers. In a new place with poor shelter and no help, Kate must grow up even faster.
It is 1787. After poor crops, with little food to spare, the winter is terribly harsh. Kate’s father is forced farther and farther from their makeshift cabin to hunt for food. Then one day, he simply doesn’t return. Can Kate fend off danger and protect her brothers? Can these three children survive the Hungry Year when thousands of others will die?
Desperate, Kate prays for help. It finally comes from a most unlikely source - but is it in time?