Book Description

This fourth book in the “Ella’s America” series of historical fiction takes place in 1885 in a small NY town by Lake Ontario. When Ella’s best friend moves away, she feels lost. Soon a shy new girl comes to school, and Ella is thrilled. She befriends Gretchen, but she discovers the girl has a low opinion of herself. After her brother goes ice fishing with her father, Ella goes on an exciting adventure with Gretchen. The two girls take a sleigh ride to Mr. Van Lone’s ice-cutting operation on the bay. When a crisis arises,  Ella witnesses an amazing rescue. Later, she creates a special maple sugar gift for Gretchen when she helps her grandfather make maple syrup. In March, the two girls go spear fishing with Ella’s brother and a friend. The girls catch plenty of fish, but a falling tree traps Ella under it. Gretchen rescues Ella with a clever plan, but the girl refuses to accept credit for it. When Ella worries about her friend, she and her parents talk to Gretchen’s parents about their daughter’s heroic act. They encourage her parents to praise Gretchen more often. Their praise helps only a little. Gretchen still doesn’t accept praise when she helps her team win a game. She doesn’t accept praise from her teacher, either, when she gets rid of a wasp in class. Fortunately, Ella has an idea to help Gretchen see her own value. She makes flower crowns for each a them and tells Gretchen why she is important. She helps Gretchen feel like a royal princess. When Gretchen understands, Ella’s heart leaps for joy. She puts her arm around her special friend.