Finding Strength

School Resources

Young Adult Historical Fiction Set in Turn-of-the-Century America

Finding Strength is a young adult historical novel that explores resilience, responsibility, and perseverance when circumstances change suddenly. Set in late 19th-century America, the story follows an older teen navigating loss, economic uncertainty, and the challenge of starting again.

These resources support discussion-based learning for homeschool families, 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 discussion

Historical Setting & Context

Set during a period of economic hardship and transition, Finding Strength offers students insight into:

  • Rural and urban life in turn-of-the-century America

  • Economic instability and recession

  • Agricultural responsibility and land management

  • Limited safety nets and personal accountability

  • Community reliance during hardship

The historical context deepens Emeline’s challenges and shapes the decisions she must make.

Story Overview (For Educators)

Three years after her father’s death, Emeline has settled into life in Indianapolis. When she is called back to her childhood farm in Missouri, she discovers everything has changed. The farm manager has died, the economy is in recession, and the caretakers are leaving.

Suddenly responsible for land, animals, and livelihood far beyond her experience, Emeline must learn quickly—or risk losing everything. With the help of trusted allies, she works to rebuild, only to face another devastating setback.

Her greatest challenge becomes internal: learning to trust her own judgment and find strength within herself.

Learning Themes & Focus Areas

Finding Strength supports discussion around:

  • Responsibility under pressure

  • Perseverance after failure

  • Confidence built through experience

  • Resilience during economic hardship

  • Leadership and decision-making

  • The role of community and support

Themes are explored through sustained effort rather than quick solutions.

Ways Schools & Families Use This Book

  • Middle school and early high school literature studies

  • Homeschool reading lists

  • Book clubs and discussion groups

  • History through story

  • Character education and resilience studies

The novel works especially well for students ready for longer reflection and deeper conversation.

Discussion Questions

(Choose those appropriate for your students.)

  1. How does Emeline’s role change when she returns to the farm?

  2. What responsibilities feel overwhelming to her at first?

  3. How does the historical setting increase the difficulty of her task?

  4. What setbacks test Emeline the most?

  5. How does she redefine strength over the course of the story?

  6. What role do allies and community play in her growth?

Writing & Reflection Prompts

  • Write about a time when you had to start over after disappointment.

  • How does responsibility change Emeline’s understanding of herself?

  • Describe a challenge in the story that required persistence rather than speed.

  • Reflect on how confidence is built through experience.

Responses may be written, discussed orally, or journaled.

Companion Journals

Finding Strength pairs well with student journals, allowing readers to:

  • Process complex emotions privately

  • Reflect on leadership and responsibility

  • Connect historical challenges to modern experiences

Journals are adaptable for both homeschool and classroom use.

Author Visits & School Engagement

Finding Strength is well suited for author visits focused on:

  • Writing historical fiction

  • Perseverance and resilience

  • Researching everyday history

  • Student-led discussion and questions

Visits are available in person or virtually and can be tailored to grade level and learning goals.

👉 Learn more about Author Visits

A Note for Educators & Parents

This novel addresses sustained responsibility and recovery after loss. Students may benefit from time to reflect and discuss rather than rushing through content. These resources are designed to support that thoughtful pacing.

🌱 Closing Thought

Finding Strength reminds readers that confidence is not given—it is built, one decision at a time.