When Lyddie calmly faces a black bear intruding in her family's cabin, it is only the first of many potential disasters she must confront. Soon after the bear incident her family disintegrates and is scattered, and from that time on Lyddie works continually toward her goal of returning to the cabin and regaining the farm. From being hired out as a tavern drudge to choosing to work as a factory girl in the mill town of Lowell, Massachusetts, Lyddie stolidly continues to believe she will return home one day. Her singlemindedness powers her determination to continue working toward her goal, but her exposure to the situations of others eventually enables Lyddie to focus outward as well. In helping her mill co-workers and becoming involved in labor politics, she broadens her own outlook and heightens her chance for a fulfilling future. The accurate historical depiction of the time and working conditions at the mill is impressive and abundant, yet does not burden Lyddie's personal story. Honor Book, 1991 CCBC Newbery Discussion. (Age 12 and older)