TRAIL OF COURAGE

Young Ulrica, doubly orphaned, arrives in the new world of Dutch Colonial New Amsterdam, and is bound out as maid of all work to a harsh tavern keeper. Bitterly unhappy, she runs away, makes friends of Indians, and becomes something of a queer outcast as she changes herself into a hunting, fishing, boyish figure. Courage wins her a few friends, but her lot is hard. A promise of a brighter future is held out as Ulrica faces still wilder trails with a likely youth who appreciates her unusual talents. Interesting Indian material, and a spirited, realistic view of the hard-working, narrow, ordinary people who were the early settlers. Excellent supplementary reading for sixth and seventh grades.