The Search for the Homestead

Gr 5–8—In 1903, 14-year-old Martin Gunnarsson and his family relocate to Goodhue County, MN, where Martin's father plans to reestablish a farm from the family's past. Martin's unhappy about the move, but when his father is injured in a logging accident, Martin's attitude changes and he strives to turn the farm into a success. He takes on the responsibilities of preparing the land, planting seeds, and tending crops. Martin also discovers his deceased aunt's diary, which suggests that a fortune in the form of his grandmother's dowry might be hidden somewhere on the farm. If Martin can find the hidden fortune, it could save the family from defaulting on the mortgage and stop Mr. Meehan's aggressive attempts to buy the property. Written in short chapters, the steady plot moves along with suspenseful episodes and events appropriate to the time period. Treacy offers readers a realistic look at the period's farm, school, and family life. The text includes entries from 13-year-old Aunt Cora's diary, which nicely link the family's current situation with the past. Martin is the most well-developed character. He learns about differences in cultures and the meaning of friendship when he befriends Samson, a boy who helps with the farm chores. Martin's Swedish family and Samson's "Gypsy" family are cautious of interacting with each other until the Gunnarsson farm burns and Samson's family comes to assist Martin's family.