In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family. "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble," her mother had said, but Sarah found that it was not always easy to feel brave inside. The dark woods were full of animals and Indians, too, and Sarah was only eight! The true story of Sarah's journey is inspiring. And as she cares for her father and befriends her Indian neighbors, she learns that to be afraid and to be brave is the greatest courage of all.

Reviews

Gr 1-4-Alice Dalgliesh's 1954 Newbery Honor book receives new life in this unabridged reading by Barbara Caruso. John Noble sets out for New Milford accompanied only by his eight-year-old daughter Sarah-his wife and other children will come later, when the baby is strong enough for the journey. Sarah, who has come to cook for her father, tries to remain brave and strong, always remembering her mother's words: "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble." Sarah and her father befriend the local Indians, and when John Noble must go to guide the rest of the family to their new home, he leaves Sarah in the care of his Indian friend, Tall John. The recording follows the book faithfully, even including the Author's Note, and it excels in capturing the quiet adventure of the story as well. Caruso's warm, measured tones paint Sarah as a solemn but loving little girl, and the closeness of the father-daughter relationship comes through clearly. Although the story itself has come under attack in recent years for its attitudes toward Native Americans (particularly the fact that Sarah and her father, unwilling to learn their friends' real name, christen them "Mary" and "John"), those attitudes are probably fairly consistent with those of the time period depicted. This recording will find a home in public libraries and schools, where, with some guidance, the subject matter and approachable length will serve students well.-Kathleen Kelly, Carroll County Public Library, MD Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

The New York Times Book Review"This one is to be long remembered for its beautifully written beauty and simplicity."