Summer MacCleary: Virginia, 1749

American Diaries #10

by Kathleen Duey

Set in the Virginia Colonies of the early eighteenth century, Summer MacCleary finds herself working as an indentured servant for a young mistress whom she considers a friend, but when her mistress accuses her of stealing, Summer must find a way to set things right in order to gain her freedom. Original.

Genres: History, Middle Grade

144 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

Kathleen Duey grew up in Colorado. She loved riding her horses, hiking, being in the mountains. Reading was always important to her. Writing became a fascination early in her life. In the fourth grade, Kathleen began writing stories and told everyone who would listen that she was going to be an author. Then she did nothing about it until she was 35 years old. Writing was her passion and her dream-come-true.

from: fantasticfiction.co.uk

Kathleen died of cardiac arrest at her home in Fallbrook, California. She was 69. She had struggled with dementia in her latter years which prevented her from completing her Skin Hunger trilogy.

https://web.archive.org/web/202101052...

Reviews

[Autumn Maisy Raquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's Scottish I'm looking for Scottish diaries about girls cuz I'm actually Scottish myself Scottish French and I would love to read this book A lot it looks good I like the way her bodice looks I like the name American diaries that's a good name for a book

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her parents died, seven-year-old Summer MacCleary left her home in London to become an indentured servant in the Virginia colony. Six years have gone by, and Summer is now thirteen. She counts the days until her twentieth birthday, when she will be free to leave. But although she longs for freedom, she has a fairly good position that she is grateful for - she cares for her master's infant son, and does some household chores. But her position is in jeopardy when her master's daughter, Letty, accuses Summer of stealing a valuable ring. If Summer is to avoid having her contract sold, she must discover what really happened to the ring. This was a highly enjoyable story about a resourceful young girl determined to clear her name, and in addition, it was filled with many details of colonial life.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 4-6 138 pgs

1749, Virginia. 13 year old Summer works hard as an indentured servant for the family she is bonded to. Summer knows that one day she'll have her freedom, but until then she must work hard to earn her place. When the mistress's ring goes missing. The indentured servants and slaves on the plantation all worry who will be blamed. When Summer learns that the family's youngest daughter Letty has been blaming her for the theft, Summer is determined to find the ring and prove her innocence.

Good story.

[Rebecca Radnor]

Not available on kindle