Born around the turn of the century, Opal Whiteley offers a peek into the life of an endearing young child growing up on the frontier. Through these excerpts from her diary, we are given a taste of the struggle and despair, as well as the faith and joy felt in each moment of her young life.
--"Cooney's clear, beautifully detailed watercolor paintings show the sturdy, solitary child, who imagines her own secret, mischievous world even when she's up to her elbows scrubbing laundry.... The inner life of children, long ignored in accounts of pioneer history, is here given an unforgettable voice". -- Booklist, starred review
--"Cooney's illustrations are perfect -- delicately observed, her misty landscapes make an elegant setting.... A touching, fascinating portrait". -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review