A Journey
School Resources
Young Adult Historical Fiction Set in 1890s America
A Journey is a young adult historical novel set in 1890s America, following a determined young girl as she crosses a vast and unforgiving country in search of family, belonging, and home. The story invites students to explore resilience, responsibility, and perseverance through a character-driven frontier adventure.
These resources are designed for discussion-based learning in homeschool settings, private schools, and classrooms, with optional writing and reflection.
Recommended Ages
Ages 12–16 (Young Adult)
Middle school through early high school
Independent reading or guided study
Historical Setting & Context
Set during the late 19th century, A Journey offers students a window into:
Frontier travel and transportation
Daily life in post-Civil War America
Geographic distance and regional differences
The realities of independence and survival
Limited communication and resources
The historical setting shapes every challenge Emeline faces and provides natural opportunities for cross-curricular discussion.
Story Overview (For Educators)
After the death of her father, Emeline, a thirteen-year-old Missouri orphan, sets out alone to fulfill his final request: to find her grandfather in Boston. Traveling across a dangerous and unfamiliar landscape, she must rely on her own resourcefulness, determination, and inner strength.
As Emeline encounters hardship, kindness, loss, and unexpected help, she learns what it means to endure—and what truly defines home.
Learning Themes & Focus Areas
A Journey supports meaningful discussion around:
Resilience in the face of hardship
Responsibility and independence
Courage beyond physical bravery
Perseverance and problem-solving
Trust, hope, and inner conviction
The meaning of family and belonging
Themes are explored through experience rather than instruction, making them well suited for reflective discussion.
Ways Schools & Families Use This Book
Literature studies (middle school & early high school)
Homeschool reading lists
Book clubs and discussion groups
History through story
Character education and reflection
The novel works well as a stand-alone read or as part of a broader historical unit.
Discussion Questions
(Select those appropriate for your students.)
What motivates Emeline to begin her journey?
How does the historical setting increase the challenges she faces?
What skills does Emeline develop as she travels?
How do strangers and companions shape her growth?
What does resilience look like throughout the story?
How does Emeline’s idea of “home” change by the end?
Writing & Reflection Prompts
Write about a time when perseverance mattered more than comfort.
How does Emeline change from the beginning to the end of the novel?
Describe a challenge Emeline faces that could only exist in the 1890s.
Reflect on what gives a person strength during difficult journeys.
Responses may be written, discussed orally, or journaled.
Companion Journals
A Journey pairs naturally with student journals, allowing readers to:
Process events privately
Reflect on decision-making
Connect historical challenges to modern life
Journals work well in both homeschool and classroom settings.
Author Visits & School Engagement
A Journey is well suited for author visits focused on:
Writing historical fiction
Character growth through adversity
Researching history through story
Student questions and discussion
Visits are available in person or virtually and can be adapted to grade level and learning goals.
👉 Learn more about Author Visits
Reviews & Recognition
“A gripping plot populated with memorable, larger-than-life characters. Highly recommended for 12–16 year olds.” — The Wishing Shelf
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Young adult historical fiction at its finest.” — Amazon Review
A Note for Educators & Parents
While A Journey includes themes of inner conviction and hope, the story is written to allow flexible discussion across learning environments. Educators are encouraged to guide conversations in ways that best fit their students and community.
🌱 Closing Thought
A Journey reminds readers that growth often begins with loss—and that resilience is built one step at a time.
