Kit's dreams are now dashed as her family experiences a series of tragedies, and as she undergoes a daunting event that tears her away from her family. With her father dead, she must fight for survival and help her ailing mother and siblings escape Ireland for good.
This story is a glimpse into the tragic events of the Great Hunger, the famine that devastated Ireland, forcing thousands of impoverished families to seek better livelihoods outside of their homeland.
"A remarkable work of historical fiction."
— Canadian Children's Book News
"The tension in the story and in the well-developed characters is always rooted in daily detail, and it builds to the final question."
— Booklist starred review
"Caroline Pignat is a talented storyteller and her writing here creates a memorable story…Quick-paced and compelling, this is a book that will grab your interest, pull at your heartstrings and lead you to look for other books by this fine author."
— The Brandon Sun
"This well-researched book brings to life the Irish famine of mid-nineteenth century. . . Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book, and teachers and librarians may find its ethical dilemmas highly teachable literature."
— VOYA
CLA Children's Book of the Year Award shortlist, 2009
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People 2009 finalist
Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards shortlist, 2010
Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009 Starred Choice
On CBC's 100 Young Adult Books That Make You Proud to be Canadian
"A vivid and enduring portrait of the Great Hunger"
Red Maple Book Award nominee 2010
Rocky Mountain Book Award Shortlist, 2011
Updates Available: Updates Available: Update available for Picture Gallery Module