The four historical novels for young readers (ages 8 to 12) in the Carrie Heidenworth series are all available from Amazon.com.
The four titles are:
Carrie and the Crazy Quilt
Book 1
In pioneer Wisconsin in 1871, thirteen-year-old Carrie Heidenworth, daughter of a German immigrant family, runs for her life from the raging storm of the great Peshtigo Fire as it races through the countryside to the north of Green Bay. Separated from her family, with little brother Fritz in tow, Carrie races with others to a bridge crossing the Peshtigo River. Suddenly, young Carrie finds herself clinging to the back of a cow swimming in the river, praying that she and Fritz and several friends will survive the night as the firestorm raged overhead. The Peshtigo Fire occurred on the same night as the Great Chicago Fire (October 8, 1871) and was much more deadly, with over 1,000 lives lost. This dramatic chapter book for young readers, based in part on a true story, deals in positively with issues of faith and trust, friendship and courage. Recipient of a Book Award of Merit (1997) from the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
Carrie and the Apple Pie
Book 2
A historical novel for young readers dealing with the aftermath of the great Peshtigo Fire of 1871, near Green Bay, Wisconsin, which occurred on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire. In this engaging sequel to Carrie and the Crazy Quilt, young Carrie Heidenwoth has survived the fire by taking shelter in the waters of the Peshtigo River. But now she and her little brother Fritz face life as orphans. As the book opens, 13-year-old Carrie and little Fritz have been taken to nearby Oconto. The two are taken in by the wealthy Omar Bentz and his reclusive wife, Erna, who is suffering her own losses from fire. Soon, the spunky Carrie has made a new friend, a Menominee Indian girl named Fawn. With the help of heartfelt prayers and growing friendships, Carrie discovers her own path to healing and starting over.
Carrie and the Boarding House
Book 3
This historical novel for young readers continues the adventures of Carrie Heidenworth and her little brother Fritz, survivors of the Great Peshtigo Fire of 1871 in northeastern Wisconsin. In this third book, Carrie, now on the verge of turning 14 years old, has moved with her family back to Peshtigo. As winter descends, she pitches in to help her mother open a boarding house, which quickly becomes popular with the men rebuilding the town after the recent fire. Despite her good nature, Carrie faces challenges from well-kept secrets and hidden jealousies. She must learn to trust her heart, as those around her, including the always cheery youngster nicknamed TD, try to help her overcome her fears and grow in friendships old and new.
Carrie and the Homestead
Book 4
In pioneer Wisconsin in 1877, Carrie Heidenworth, survivor of the Great Peshtigo Fire, works to rebuild the Heidenworth homestead. Along with her longtime friends, Carrie befriends a neighboring girl named Jaz, who becomes Carrie’s energetic helper. Harvest time brings friends and neighbors together to pick the apple crop, and a school is built nearby. Of course, adventures occur, and an elusive stranger appears. With typical kindness, Carrie seeks to discover the man’s surprising story. This is the fourth book in the award-winning Carrie Heidenworth series, a saga of survival, faith, and friendships in northeastern Wisconsin, in the aftermath of the little-known Peshtigo Fire that occurred the same night as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Carrie and the Crazy Quilt is soooooooooooooooooo good!