Publisher's Synopsis
Emily Arnold's diary is one of her most prized possessions. She's been told by her parents not to get too sassy, so instead of blurting out all her true thoughts, she writes them down in this small book.
Emily loves her family, but it's a struggle living with them. While Pa is up at his cabin at Elliot Creek, mining for gold, Emily must help her mother. There's always wash to be done or meals to cook or siblings to chase after. Emily even teaches the little ones reading and arithmetic although she's never seen a school herself.
And going to school is Emily's dearest, most secret wish, one that she only tells her diary. Emily longs to get an education and see the world beyond Upper Squaw Lake.
In this exciting historical novel, Emily's dream comes true. As she and her family set off on new adventures both in town and in the wilderness, Emily records it all in her trusty journal. And as the years pass, Emily must decide what she really wants from life. Is she destined for the same fate as her mother, or is there something else waiting for her down the road?
