The journal of a fourteen-year-old girl, keptthe last year she lived on the family farm, records daily events in this small New Hampshire town, her father's remarriage, and the death of her best friend. Perfection Form, 9-91, Act 90, '91-'92.

In 1932, when her father's foot injury makes it impossible for him to do farm work for a while, thirteen-year-old Agnes steps in, proving herself and revealing her understanding of him.

Twelve-year-old Sarah breaks the Sabbath in Puritan New England and faces a moral dilemma when an innocent person is accused in her place.

Living with her family in the farming town of Palouse, Washington, during World War II, thirteen-year-old Josie worries about her brother's strange behavior and wonders why he has not enlisted.

Twelve-year-old Emma receives unexpected friendship from a Black roustabout and a Union soldier during an explosion on the steamboat Sultana in 1865.

In Texas in 1886, Ellen finds her desire to be a cattle rancher discouraged by family members who do not think it a proper choice for a girl, but she proves her worth when drought threatens the ranch.

In 1847, when her mother's remarriage sends them on a difficult journey to California, Willow is swept overboard fording the South Platte River and must survive and search for her family.

Jim Benton's tales from Mackeral Middle School continue through the diary of Jamie Kelly.