I have read Jim Murphy's other two books in the Dear America series, and I have to say I liked this the best of all, with "West to a Land of Plenty" in close second.
Sarah Jane Price is a 14 year old girl now alone in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Her father who was supposed to be the school teacher for the town, recently died from black diphtheria which had also ravaged the town. After the lady of the boarding house with whom she was staying with, decides the best thing for her to do is go to a "girls home", Sarah thinks of every possible way she could stay in Broken Bow. Even though she doesn't care much for the harsh winds, or life on the prairie in general, she knows anything would be better than the girl's home.
When she comes up with a way, she decides she could become the next school teacher in Broken Bow. She meets with criticism and rebukes at first from the school board, but decides that neither the parents or the children are going to get the best of her. She does indeed become a very good schoolteacher, through many trials and tribulations.

Beautiful book and great "pioneer" story.

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