Jacket art by Adam Walko
About Orphan Journey Home:

The year is 1828. Jesse Damron and her family are leaving their farm in southern Illinois, headed for their grandmother's home in eastern Kentucky. The roads are rough, the wilderness is full of wild animals, and a few days into their journey, Mama and Papa both die of a disease called "milk sickness."

Now Jesse, her older brother, Moses, and the two younger children must make the long wagon journey on their own. They face a dangerous world where orphan children can be "bound out" (trapped and kept as indentured servants until they are grown.) Carrying a letter of protection from their father, the children brave the wilderness. Whom can they trust? How will they feed themselves? Will they ever find their way to the Little Sandy River? And if they do—will Grandma still be there?

"Cliff-hanging chapter endings make it as suitable for sharing aloud as for independent reading. Ketchum creates realistic problems for her believably drawn protagonists...A riveting adventure."-School Library Journal review

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What inspired you to write this story?

Orphan Journey Home is based on a true story. I discovered it while I was reading about another pioneer named Bethenia Owens-Adair. (Bethenia's life will be featured in my next book, Into a New Country: Eight Women of the West.) Bethenia's mother, Sarah Damron, was one of six children who were orphaned in 1828 as the family traveled from southern Illinois to eastern Kentucky. Just as in the novel, the parents died of milk sickness, and the children continued the difficult journey on their own. In the original story, the oldest child was only twelve and the youngest just a baby.

There were only a few short pages about the Damron family in Bethenia's autobiography, but I couldn't forget what I'd read. I was inspired by the incredible courage, resourcefulness, and family loyalty of these children. When Breakfast Serials asked me to write a novel for the newspapers, I decided that the Damron's story would lend itself to the serial format.

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FAQ: What was the most exciting thing about writing for the newspapers?

It was wonderful to discover that readers of all ages were hooked on Jesse's story, and to hear how many people enjoyed sharing the suspense of waiting together for the next installment. I thank all my readers for their enthusiasm! I also love the idea behind Breakfast Serials: that children have something just for them in the newspaper.

Writing a serial novel is surprising in another way. It gave me the rare opportunity to respond to feedback from readers. Usually, a book is printed and bound before I hear what readers think about the story, and it is too late to make changes. This time, I had the chance to include some of my readers' suggestions as I expanded the story for publication as a book.

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Illustration © C.B. Mordan
What some fans have said about the story:

From elementary school readers:
"When the newspapers are delivered to our door everybody gets excited!"
"I like Jesse's braveness."
"Thank you for making my mind explode with details!"
"When we read Orphan Journey Home we can picture your words in our heads."
"My mom said your writing is magnificent and she can't wait to read another one of your books. Neither can I."
"I want you to know Liza Ketchum is an intelligent story writer. Her Orphan Journey Home stories are better than any other story I have ever read…She uses lots of emotions."
"It's so exciting that it seems real. Very graphic details and chilling tales will catch our attention."
"Orphan Journey Home was the best book ever!"

Adults are reading the story, too:
"It was wonderful to have something to share and enjoy with my grandchildren."
"I cried at the end."
"My almost-89-year-old mother and I look forward to every Tuesday. I read to her the way she used to read to me."
"The story was so good we mailed it to Grandma Alice in Montreal."

Did you read Orphan Journey Home in your hometown newspaper?
Do you have a question or comment about the story? If so, please leave a message in the Guest Book.

Order Orphan Journey Home

Learn more about Orphan Journey Home on the web:

For more information about Liza Ketchum and her books, go to:

www.northernlight.com

(Search on "Liza Ketchum", "Orphan Journey Home", or the titles of her other books to read articles and interviews.)

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