THE BOUNCES OF CYNTHIANN'

This story about four proud orphans and the small community which adopts them makes a pleasant, warmhearted period piece. Orphaned Matthew (14), Marcia (13), Luke (10), and baby Joanna Bounce take the long journey from Rhode Island to Cynthianna, Oregon, in 1870 after their mother's death only to find that their prospective guardian died two weeks before their arrival. Proud but penniless, the childred are divided and cared for by the citizens of ""Cynthiann'"", each (except the baby) working for his board. Soon, although the children are happy in the love and affection of the families and at home in the friendly community, Matthew (as head of the family) decides that the Bounces must be kept together in spite of the foster families' desire to adopt each child. The community helps the Bounces to raise money by an auction to go to Maine to live with a relative and also repairs the house left to them by a widow in the town. However, after the community votes to adopt the family, the Bounces decide to stay in Cynthiann' as they can live as a family in their house. A bright, bubbling, friendly story.