Book Description

This sixth book in the Ella’s America” series of historical fiction takes place in 1885 in a small NY town by Lake Ontario. A huge fire in town threatens to destroy Daddy’s store, but Ella pleads with her mother to let her help. Ella and Dorrie bring food to their father and also rescue some of the stock from his store. During their visit, Ella’s school friend becomes a hero when  he has an idea to save the town. However, Anastasia, the troublesome girl at school, is as bad as ever. But one day, Anastasia warns Ella’s family about a terrible approaching storm. Ella is surprised and hopes the girl truly wants to help. Her hopes sink when she later finds out that Anastasia had gotten her Irish friend in trouble. Anastasia also tattles on another student in class. The teacher makes her wear a tattle tail to punish her for tattling. After that, Anastasia seems humbled. Ella sees a small change in her when she takes the advice of Ella’s Irish friend at the county fair. Before Ella starts a job at the apple-drying operation, she and her friends visit Anastasia’s house and slide down a haystack. Although they get in trouble with Anastasia’s grandfather for doing that, Ella comes to Anastasia’s defense. After they clean up the mess they created, Ella remains hopeful about Anastasia. Then, when Anastasia and her mother come to visit, Ella discovers what Anastasia truly loves. Ella believes it will be the key to building a lasting friendship with her.