Milwaukee, Wis. — Do you know a young reader who enjoys books of historical fiction, in the vein of the American Girls series? Here’s a new novel sure to delight: Plank Road Summer, by Hilda and Emily Demuth.
Plank Road Summer is a middle-grade historical novel, set in 1852, a story of two girls’ friendship, with an Underground Railroad sub-plot. Written by two sisters who grew up hearing tales of the old plank road that ran by their southern Wisconsin home near Racine, the book has received praise for its well-researched use of the history of the popular plank roads (“the farmers’ railroad”), rural pioneer life, and Underground Railroad activities in the Great Lakes region to create an engaging story for young readers.
More about the book, including details on author appearances and book signings, and resources for educators can be found at the blog: http://plankroad.wordpress.com.
“Transports readers back to the sights and sounds, and the dangers and joys, of Wisconsin, 1852. A great choice for young readers who love historical fiction, and for teachers wanting to integrate a novel into classroom studies of the pioneer era.” – Kathleen Ernst, award-winning children’s book author (including many American Girls novels)
The book features the adventures of two neighboring 13-year-olds, Katie McEachron and her friend Florence Mather, who experience an exciting summer in 1852 as the plank road brings mysterious travelers to their homes and the plight of runaway slaves to their consciences.
Katie is an active, impulsive girl who yearns to help take tolls at a little tollhouse on the plank road. Her friend Florence, of Cornish heritage, has an eager mind and a love of poetry, and soon will discover that teamsters who stop at her family’s inn carry intriguing secrets.
One day in May, a stranger arrives at the Mather Inn. The visit launches a string of events that will make this a most unforgettable summer for the two girls.
Co-authors Hilda and Emily Demuth are sisters who grew up in Racine Co., Wis., where they heard stories of the plank road days from descendants of the early settlers. Hilda Demuth, a high school English teacher, lives near Valparaiso, Indiana. Emily Demuth, a school library/media aide and freelance writer, lives in Elmhurst, Illinois, near Chicago.
Crickhollow Books is an independent press based in Milwaukee, with trade distribution by Itasca Book Distributing. For more, visit the Crickhollow Books website (http://www.CrickhollowBooks.com).
