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The Year We Were Famous

Carole Estby Dagg (Goodreads Author)

3.65 · Rating details · 667 ratings · 164 reviews

With their family home facing foreclosure, seventeen-year-old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, need to raise a lot of money fast—no easy feat for two women in 1896. Helga wants to tackle the problem with her usual loud and flashy style, while Clara favors a less showy approach. Together they come up with a plan to walk the 4,600 miles from Mica Creek, Washington, to New ...more

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Hardcover, 256 pages

Published April 4th 2011 by Clarion Books (first published January 1st 2011)

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2011 Debut Authors (Young Adult and Middle Grade Lit.)

262 books — 2,229 voters

Class of 2k11

48 books — 145 voters

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Jan 04, 2011 Christina Mandelski rated it it was amazing

Don't let the quiet-looking cover fool you, this book is an adventure from start to finish. Based on a true story, fast moving and engrossing, you'll sit there thinking, 'these women really did this'? Facing impossible odds, they really DID!

Dagg (who is the great-grand niece of the actual Clara Estby) expertly weaves the day to day events of the trek with the emotional journey of Clara. In many ways Clara is a very typical older teen, trying to find a balance between family duty and her own des ...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Krista the Krazy Kataloguer rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-goodreads-authors, read-historical-fiction, read-ya

This is one of two novels based on the true story of Helga Estby and her daughter Clara, who walked from Washington to New York in 1896 in hopes of earning $10,000 with which they could save their farm. I couldn't put the book down, and also couldn't imagine walking all that way, through all kinds of weather and over all kinds of terrain. I have to admire their tenacity and determination. This novel, for young adults, was written by Helga's great-great granddaughter, so I think she had a special ...more

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Jan 24, 2017 Grace Liberatore rated it really liked it

Have you ever been told that something is too impossible to be done? In the late 1800s, and even to this day, women were not expected to complete challenging tasks. In this book, however, The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg, a mother and daughter try to disprove that. They put their minds to a dangerous task to prove that women can be challenged and overcome the hardest tasks. They prove that the impossible is possible.
In this novel, Clara, a teenage girl, lives with her mother, Helga, Have you ever been told that something is too impossible to be done? In the late 1800s, and even to this day, women were not expected to complete challenging tasks. In this book, however, The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg, a mother and daughter try to disprove that. They put their minds to a dangerous task to prove that women can be challenged and overcome the hardest tasks. They prove that the impossible is possible.
In this novel, Clara, a teenage girl, lives with her mother, Helga, her “father”, and her many siblings on a farm in Washington State in 1896. Their farm is very important to them, but if they don’t pay their debt soon, they will lose their farm. In order to get the money they need, Helga convinces an author in New York City to pay her $10,000 if she can walk across the country with Clara on a 4,600 mile journey, carrying nothing more than their backpacks and five dollars. As they face the challenges of nature and other people, they prove the strength of women, all while trying to save their lives as they know them. They demonstrate that the impossible can be accomplished if you put your minds to it, and never give up.
Carole Estby Dagg wrote this book in a very intriguing way. She told the story from Clara’s point of view. This made the story even more interesting because it was from the point of view of the reader, a teenager perhaps, or even an adult who has experienced being a teen, can relate to. While it was a terrific novel, it could have been better if Dagg added some more events that did not pertain to the walk. Most of story had to do with nature, but it would have been more interesting if there were more conflicts involving other humans. However, the story was still very much enjoyable.
This book is strongly recommended for people who are being told that they can’t do something. Specifically, teenage girls can absolutely relate to this book with a deeper, internal meaning. This is because they will understand what it is like to be told that you cannot do something because of the way they were born, in this case a person’s gender. However, this book is probably not the best to read if the reader is too young to have been told that they can’t do something. This is because they will not fully understand the meaning of the book, which is to overcome obstacles, defy the limits people set for you, and to never give up.
The Year We Were Famous is an amazing novel that is strongly recommended for people who are being told that some things are impossible. Clara and Helga defy people’s expectations and prove the strength of women. They never give up, despite the life threatening situations they encounter on their adventure. It is a very inspiring adventure novel that is based on a true story. It proves that if someone puts their mind to something, anything is possible. ...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Amelia, free market Puritan rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs, ya-kids-teen, 2011, point-of-view-girl, historical-fiction

Fabulous YA historical fiction! The Year We Were Famous has a lot to offer readers - fun, original story (that just so happens to be a *true story*), thoroughly interesting characters, and highly intriguing chunks of American history and geography. The story is based on the real-life experiences of the author's great-grandmother and great-aunt, who, in 1896, trekked clear across the country (Washington state to NYC) by themselves. The book is set against the backdrop of the American suffragette Fabulous YA historical fiction! The Year We Were Famous has a lot to offer readers - fun, original story (that just so happens to be a *true story*), thoroughly interesting characters, and highly intriguing chunks of American history and geography. The story is based on the real-life experiences of the author's great-grandmother and great-aunt, who, in 1896, trekked clear across the country (Washington state to NYC) by themselves. The book is set against the backdrop of the American suffragette movement and the famous Bryan-McKinley presidential campaigns.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began this story - I knew it was a historical fiction, but I wasn't sure how much history would play a part in the story. The further I got into the story, the more riveting it became! I admit to having a Google Images browser up for every place the characters mentioned. I seriously cannot imagine walking over lava fields in Idaho, crossing the Snake River, or braving through blizzards, much less doing it in the late 19th century, with no hotel reservations or ATM machines or, you know, Mapquest. Clara was an especially endearing character to follow, and her mom will charm and entertain you with her wit and determination, though I did find her a little strong and kind of overwhelming, and she seemed almost out-of-place, out-of-setting with her "New Woman" speeches. But still, both characters were well-rounded, and their interactions were entertaining and heart-felt.
I do wish the story could have been a little longer. I know it's not feasible to give each day/location out of their seven-month excursion its own chapter, but Estby Dagg has such a knack for bringing not only history but rich American places to life, I was left feeling full but still wanting more! The passages dealing with the Suffrage movement were thoroughly interesting, and I especially liked them because they reminded me of what I learned in my American West class last year - for example, that women were way more successful getting the vote in western states and territories than in the more "civilized" east, and that Wyoming was the first to grant women the right to vote (Utah had given them the vote, but that was edited out of their constitution when they were admitted to statehood, as a matter of fact).

If you consider yourself even a slight fan of Historical Fiction, or if you just like to keep up with the newest, coolest YA releases, you'll not want to miss The Year We Were Famous! ...more

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Feb 03, 2011 Jennifer Marie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, ya-2011, 2011-books

The Year We Were Famous
Carole Estby Dagg
Historical
Grade 6 and up
288 pages

Set in 1896, The Year We Were Famous is based on the true story of the author’s great aunt and great-great grandmother. It’s a fast-paced historical adventure that will please all.

In order to save her family’s farm, seventeen-year old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, set out to walk across the United States in hopes of raising enough money to save the farm from foreclosure. They start in Spokane, Washington and work their
The Year We Were Famous
Carole Estby Dagg
Historical
Grade 6 and up
288 pages

Set in 1896, The Year We Were Famous is based on the true story of the author’s great aunt and great-great grandmother. It’s a fast-paced historical adventure that will please all.

In order to save her family’s farm, seventeen-year old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, set out to walk across the United States in hopes of raising enough money to save the farm from foreclosure. They start in Spokane, Washington and work their way across America until they arrive in New York City almost nine months later. Their journey is filled with heartache, laughter, dangers and new experiences as mother and daughter learn to better understand each other along the way.

I have to say; I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but the more I read the harder it was for me to put the book down! I really, really enjoyed it. Clara and Helga are two very different people. Clara is very practical, while Helga is much more carefree. Their personalities clash throughout the novel, but in the end their determination to save the family farm helps them overcome their differences. And with each new challenge they face they learn to rely on and respect each other for the very traits that make them so different. I really liked these characters for both their faults and their strengths. At times I wanted to shake the mother (much like Clara) and at other times I wanted to tell Clara to stand up to her! That’s what made me love them so much. They weren’t perfect, but their interactions were real and heartfelt and I could relate to them.

The pacing works wonderfully. We don’t see every step of their journey, but we experience enough to really understand the difficulties, worries and joys Clara and Helga experience. Snakes, highwaymen, flash floods, lava fields, blizzards…it’s one challenge after another! However, it’s not all about the hardship. Along the way, we get some wonderful moments as well! My favorite scene had to be the “curling iron” demonstration! You’ll just have to go read the book to find out more! Trust me it’s worth the read!

The historical detail in the book amazed me. From life on a farm, to the bicycle, to the women’s suffrage movement, to president-elect McKinley… Every single page put me back in 1896, without my ever feeling like I was being given a history lesson. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to all of you! This is one you don’t want to miss.
...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Serena rated it did not like it

Shelves: ya

Let us establish one thing first. Calvin Coolidge was not president before William McKinley, and was not responsible for the economic troubles of 1896. Cleveland was president then, and thus can have some of the blame.

If you are wondering why I need to state this, then you should know that Mrs. Dagg wrote that Coolidge was president during the 1896 election. After reading this gross historical inaccuracy which I hope was changed in later copies of this book, my gut was screaming at me to abandon ...more

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Feb 26, 2011 Jen Bigheart rated it really liked it

Shelves: signed

Now this is a stinkin' cute YA historical fiction. I'll be honest, HF is not my strong suit and I have been trying to read more in this genre. I happened to win this copy from The Class of 2k11 last month, and the book has writing in the margins from Dagg filled with insider information. Notes about what made the cut from original drafts, and scenes based on photographs or other writings. These little tidbits were so enjoyable that I wish all of my books were like this.

The Year We Were Famous i ...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Sonja rated it really liked it

Loved this book, especially as a campanion to Linda Hunt's "Bold Spirit" about the walk Helga and Clara Estby took across the country from Spokane WA to NY in 1896. The author of this book, Carole Estby Dagg, is Helga's great-granddaughter. She spent 15 years writing this book, especially written for young adults. It is a fictional account of the walk told in Clara's voice. I was fortunate enough to hear Carole speak about her book in the town where I live. The walk itself is testament to two gr ...more

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Apr 22, 2014 Dotty rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013-14-school-year, historical-fiction, adventure, ebook-read

What fun! And it's based on a true story. It was very interesting to read the thread of reality in the author's notes at the end. In addition showed persistence on her part to get the book published! Would be an interesting mother/daughter read, although parent should be prepared for some "sex education." Stayed up late reading this one as I had to know how it ended. Lots of adventure, history and humor. ...more

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Oct 30, 2010 Angie rated it really liked it

Loved it! Carole Dagg tells the fictionalized story of her great-aunt's trek across the US in 1896. It's a tough time for two women (mother and daughter) to walk cross country in order to save the family farm. Dagg keeps the pace fresh and the journey interesting through out. I won't give away the ending, but it made me want to exclaim Uff da! (You'll have to read the book to get the reference!) ...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Bernadette added it

I thoroughly enjoyed this Young Adult novel. Two women, a mom and daughter, walked all the way from Spokane, WA to New York City in 1896 to try to win $10,000 to save the family farm. True story! This is a fictionalized account, but since based on fact, and the author is a descendant of those "pedestrians," I was amazed. Over 4,000 miles, following the railroad tracks the entire way. ...more

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Feb 06, 2011 Christianne rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction

I enjoyed this story. I especially liked learning the "real" story in the author's note in the back.

Not sure it would have enough teen appeal to get picked out of my public library teen collection. It would be great reading as part of a US History course. ...more

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Nov 27, 2012 T rated it liked it

clean. not entiresly satisfying. kind of interesting at times.

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Jan 06, 2021 Anna rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars This mother-daughter adventure is based on the true story of the author’s great aunt, 18 year old Clara Estby, who walked from Spokane, Washington to New York City with her mother. Her mother Helga promoted the 7 month walking trip to show women could do anything, promote women’s suffrage, and earn money as a book deal to save their mortgaged farm. They walked with very little and had to ask strangers to feed and house them along the way.

I wished it had been longer and went into their ...more

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Aug 26, 2019 Molly Walker rated it liked it

Shelves: 2019-books, kid-lit

I really enjoyed the story of Helga and Clara's walk across the country, their (mis)adventures, and the people they met along the way. Despite enjoying the overall story, the writing often felt choppy to me and the ending felt very rushed. Additionally, I hope the factual error regarding Calvin Coolidge / Grover Cleveland has been updated for future editions.

...more

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Jul 26, 2013 QNPoohBear rated it liked it

Shelves: kisses-only, young-adult-historical-fiction, clean-romance

This novel is based on the true story of the author's great-grandmother and great-aunt. In order to save their family farm in Washington state, mother and daughter accepted a $10,000 wager to walk across the country in 1896. After the death of her son Henry, Helga takes to her bed in a fit of dismals, leaving seventeen-year-old Clara to care for the younger children and the home by herself. Clara's father is trying to come up with ways to save the family farm and keep them from destitution but o This novel is based on the true story of the author's great-grandmother and great-aunt. In order to save their family farm in Washington state, mother and daughter accepted a $10,000 wager to walk across the country in 1896. After the death of her son Henry, Helga takes to her bed in a fit of dismals, leaving seventeen-year-old Clara to care for the younger children and the home by herself. Clara's father is trying to come up with ways to save the family farm and keep them from destitution but one bad harvest after another is not making ends meet. Clara could marry the boy next door, Erick Iverson, a hard-working dependable Norwegian boy, much like Clara's own father. Clara isn't sure what she wants out of life but she knows she doesn't want to get married now and be a farm wife the way her mother did. She dreams of going to college and maybe one day becoming a writer. Then her mother gets the crazy idea to walk across the country to prove women have the endurance for such a thing. At the end of the walk, a publisher in New York will award them $10,000 and publish a book based on their experiences - IF they make it, IF they survive and IF they can get there by the deadline of November 30. Clara thinks her mother's scheme is crazy. Clara has secretly longed for adventure though walking across country isn't what she had in mind. Her father urges her to go along to keep her mother motivated and on track. With a satchel each filled with necessities for emergencies, $5.00 each and sturdy walking shoes, the mother and daughter set forth on a walk across the continent. They manage to gain more publicity the farther east they go, meeting famous people along the way and gathering signatures and stories for their book. Clara learns a lot about the country but she also learns a lot about her mother. The two have a difficult relationship. They have opposite personalities and don't understand each other very well. Clara also learns her mother has been keeping a big secret from her. The walk not only challenges their endurance but it challenges their relationship with each other and the rest of the family they left behind. Along the way they encounter flash floods, sun stroke, Indians and tramps. They wonder if they will ever reach New York and find their way back home again.

This is an exciting adventure tale/coming-of-age novel. It imagines the journey taken by the author's ancestors and provides descriptive details about what the pair encountered on their walk. It also looks more deeply at the mother-daughter relationship between Helga and Clara and imagines how their life experiences would have shaped their outlooks on life. Clara is a girl most teen girls can relate to. She isn't sure yet who she is and what she wants to do with her life. She thinks her mother doesn't understand her and isn't sympathetic to her feelings. The introspective plot woven into the adventure makes the book more realistic and interesting. I really liked Clara's personal journey and think the author did a wonderful job shaping her great-aunt. Helga comes across as sometimes unkind and uncaring but she wants what's best for her family and is willing to defy convention to do it. That makes her very admirable in my opinion. The writing style is casual and easy to read. It sounds like a real diary and real letters would. If I wasn't already familiar with the story, I would have been up all night reading to find out of they made it to New York. A map on the endpapers helps the reader follow along Clara and Helga's journey. This is a great book for kids 11+ and adults.

The author's note explains more about the family story and her motivation for writing which is very interesting. If you want a more scholarly/biographical look at Helga and Clara Estby's walk, (the book includes many photos) read Bold Spirit by Linda Lawrence Hunt. If you want to an idea of what may have happened next, look for The Daughter's Walkby Jane Kirkpatrick. ...more

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Apr 08, 2011 Margo Tanenbaum rated it it was amazing

Shelves: women-s-history, 19th-century, frontier

Debut novelist Carole Estby Dagg was inspired by her own family history to write the delightful new young adult historical novel, The Year We Were Famous. Based on the true story of the author's great-aunt and great-grandmother, this adventure-filled novel set at the time of the suffragist movement tells the tale of 17-year old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, who decide to walk clear across the United States from the small Norwegian-American farming community of Mica Creek, Washington to New Debut novelist Carole Estby Dagg was inspired by her own family history to write the delightful new young adult historical novel, The Year We Were Famous. Based on the true story of the author's great-aunt and great-grandmother, this adventure-filled novel set at the time of the suffragist movement tells the tale of 17-year old Clara Estby and her mother, Helga, who decide to walk clear across the United States from the small Norwegian-American farming community of Mica Creek, Washington to New York City--some 4,000 miles--to save their family farm from foreclosure. Helga, a dedicated suffragist, also wanted to prove that women deserved the vote, because a woman was resourceful enough to make it across the country on her own, without a man's help. All this, in an era when most women never went more than a few miles from their home.

The story, told in the first person by Clara, opens with Clara, the eldest of eight children, having returned from high school in Spokane to her family's farm in Mica Creek. While brainstorming about ways to raise money to save their farm, her mother comes up with her idea of walking across the country, and begins seeking sponsors. At her pa's suggestion, Clara agrees to go along on an adventure that she can't begin to imagine: "This would be my year abroad, my year to turn the old Clara into someone bold, someone with newfound talents, strengths, and purpose in life." And when a New York publisher offers them $10,000 if they complete the trip by November 30, 1896, they are on their way, equipped with calling cards, a letter from the mayor of Spokane attesting to their moral character, work boots, canteens, oil-skin ponchos, tooth powder and toothbrushes, two journals and six pencils, a second-hand satchel, and a compass given to Clara by Erick, the boy who's sweet on her--but no change of clothes!

Needless to say, Clara and her mother have no shortage of adventures on the way, as they follow the train tracks East, including encounters with Native Americans, outlaws, handsome journalists, and even the President-Elect and First Lady of the United States, not to mention blizzards, flash flood, lava fields, heat, thirst, and a sprained ankle. Will they make it to New York on time to collect their prize and save the farm? You'll have to read this to find out. I, for one, had a hard time putting this book down.

Author Dagg does an outstanding job bringing the voices of her intrepid ancestors to life; she extensively researched the lives of Victorian women in order to "get inside Great-Aunt Clara's head." Teens are likely to identify with Clara's personality clashes with her mother, as well as her dreams of a life more exciting than being a farmer's wife in rural Mica Creek and her struggle between family obligations and becoming independent.

An excellent website for the book offers more information on historical context and discussion themes; this would be a particularly appropriate title for a mother-daughter book club, and although the protagonist is seventeen, the book would be perfectly appropriate for readers as young as ten.

...more

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Jun 06, 2011 Carin rated it really liked it

Shelves: women-authors, historical-fiction

What a cute, sweet book! And yet, it also has a lot of deeper themes and topics that would be perfect for a book club but it doesn't hit you over the head with them and if you prefer to just read it superficially for the story, it's still fun and enjoyable. (And the jacket doesn't photograph well - the book is a lot prettier in person than the images make it look.)

It's 1896. The country is in the midst of yet another depression (we had a lot of them in the 1800s). The Estbys are barely scraping What a cute, sweet book! And yet, it also has a lot of deeper themes and topics that would be perfect for a book club but it doesn't hit you over the head with them and if you prefer to just read it superficially for the story, it's still fun and enjoyable. (And the jacket doesn't photograph well - the book is a lot prettier in person than the images make it look.)

It's 1896. The country is in the midst of yet another depression (we had a lot of them in the 1800s). The Estbys are barely scraping by, with their father, Ole, injured and so unable to do any carpentry, the farm alone isn't enough to support a family of 10. And their mother, Helga, has taken to her bed which she is wont to do from time to time. One day Clara, the eldest, is talking with Helga about how much she admires Nellie Bly, the female journalist who was recently paid to travel around the world. It puts a bug in Helga's ear and soon she has an idea to save the farm: she'll walk across the United States and get someone to pay her to do so. She's mostly doing it to save the farm, but she also wants to prove that women are strong and can do things many men think they can't, which she hopes by default will mean voting as she's a staunch suffragist.

As Helga isn't in the best of health, having just spent a month or so in bed, and inclined to crash into depression as quickly as her flights of fancy hit (pretty easy to see undiagnosed bipolar disorder), Ole asks Clara to join Helga on her walk. Helga gets a woman publisher in New York to agree to pay her $10,000 if she (and Clara) can make the walk in seven months. No one thinks they can do it. The first day, without any preparation, they walk 26 miles. Having recently walked a marathon myself, and not in corsets, floor-length skirts, or ill-fitting work boots, I am astonished at their fortitude. And they keep going despite bad weather, no food, no places to stay (they rely on the kindness of strangers the entire way), occasional very unfortunate bad directions or wrong ways, blisters, no water, dangerous strangers, and they keep walking for 4000 miles.

Do they make it? Do they make the deadline? Do they save the farm? Will Clara marry the neighbor Erick (nice but boring) when they return? What of the handsome journalist she meets along the way? Will mother and daughter kill each other on the trip?

While the story itself has more than enough excitement to keep one entertained throughout, the novel also brings up questions of obligations, responsibilities, whether sticking out a crazy bet like this shows determination or foolhardiness, should Clara follow her heart and her ambitions, or help save her family and settle down, and what was our country thinking a century ago with no safety nets at all when times got tough aside? There are a lot of topics for potential discussion, but I enjoyed it thoroughly just with the story itself. It was a very fast read (I read it on 2 days) and I highly recommend it. Being based on the true-life story of the author's great-grandmother and great-aunt just made it that much more interesting! ...more

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May 03, 2011 Cindy Hudson rated it it was amazing

Seventeen-year-old Clara longs to escape the confines of her family homestead in small Mica Creek, near Spokane, Washington. But finances are tight, and the family is in danger of losing their home and land if they don’t raise the money needed. When Helga, Clara’s mother, comes up with a plan to walk from their home to New York City as a way to earn money, Clara goes with her. The question is, will her trip show a way for her to leave home forever, or will it bind Clara more tightly to the famil Seventeen-year-old Clara longs to escape the confines of her family homestead in small Mica Creek, near Spokane, Washington. But finances are tight, and the family is in danger of losing their home and land if they don’t raise the money needed. When Helga, Clara’s mother, comes up with a plan to walk from their home to New York City as a way to earn money, Clara goes with her. The question is, will her trip show a way for her to leave home forever, or will it bind Clara more tightly to the family and neighbors she leaves behind?

The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg is a fictionalized story based on real events from the late 1800s. Helga and Clara are the author’s great grandmother and great aunt, and Dagg breathes life into their saga through Clara’s eyes.

At eighteen, Clara chafes at the life of drudgery that comes from living on a farm and the prospect of marrying someone not for love, but for reliability and proximity. Restrictions on women in particular were strict in those times, and they were limited in the ways they could earn money. Helga is active in the suffragette movement and takes the opportunity to promote the vote for women on their trip.

Through Clara’s eyes, the country the two women pass through and the challenges they face come alive. Railroads were crucial for life in those times, and travelers often depended on the kindness of strangers they would never see again

While the real Clara did keep a journal of her trip and the two hoped to write a book about their experience, their adventure was never captured in publication and Clara’s journal was destroyed. In a note at the end, Dagg says she hopes “Helga and Clara would not wince at the words I have put in their mouths or the thoughts I have put in their heads.” To readers, the important thing is that the story is well told and brings this time in history to life.

I highly recommend The Year We Were Famous for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 12 and up. Issues to discuss include women getting the right to vote, differing views of women and their abilities between then and now, young people making decisions about their future, and what we can learn when we travel far away from home.
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Mar 13, 2012 Barbara rated it really liked it

Shelves: strong-women, writing

Desperate to earn enough money to save the family farm in 1896, thirty-five-year-old Helga Estby comes up with the idea of walking across the country, starting near Spokane, Washington, and ending in New York City. Her daughter, Clara, accompanies her at the request of Clara's father who is worried about his wife's stamina. Dressed in their finest clothing and carrying satchels, the two set off across the country, intending to work in exchange for food and shelter along the way. Of course, they ...more

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May 15, 2018 The Dusty Jacket rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult-historical-fiction

It’s 1896 and the Estby family is just one auction away from losing their family farm. They must either raise more than $1,000 or lose everything. Inspired by her daughter Clara’s story of Nellie Bly, the American journalist who traveled around the world in 72 days, family matriarch Helga begins writing letters seeking a financial sponsor who will pay them to walk from Washington to New York. When a publisher in New York City offers them $10,000 to make the cross-country trek, the game is offici ...more

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Apr 10, 2011 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2011-debut-authors, mundie-moms-reviews, mundie-kids-reviews, 2011-release, arcs, 2011-100-book-challenge

I absolutely loved this incredible journey. Inspired by true events, The Year We Were Famous is a story that is full of hope, courage, and never giving up. Following the journey of the mother-daughter team of Helga and Clara, who in hopes of saving their farm and making money from their story, walked from Mica Creek, WA clear across the country to New York City, New York.

During the story's era of 1896, these two courageous women were armed with very little as they set out on a trek that was eit ...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Sally Kruger added it

It is 1896 and Clara Estby is seventeen. Her goal is to attend college and become a writer, but first she must help her family. Her mother Helga recently took to her bed claiming she suffers from consumption. Clara is used to her mother's bouts of what is likely depression, and she tries her best to lend a hand caring for her siblings and her father.

Clara knows another concern her mother has is the threat of losing the family farm. Harvest have been extremely poor in recent years and the bank ma ...more

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Sep 20, 2012 Jane711 rated it really liked it

Shelves: 7th-grade-shelf

I really liked how this book had the plot of the walk, and then always went back to the relationship between clara and ma. I think Ma and Clara have really confusing relationship. They are always there for each other, but sometimes really annoy and bother the other. Before the walk, I think that ma knew that Clara would come with her and her whole family wouldn't let her go with out another family member.

I think that the walk made their relationship a lot stronger, and now they appreciate the ...more

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Nov 12, 2010 Amy rated it it was amazing

This is an amazing story--based on the real-life journey of Helga and Clara Estby who walk from Washington State to New York City in 1896 to save the family farm. Writer Carole Estby Dagg (Helga's great-granddaughter) does an amazing job of weaving a few stories together: The journey itself which is quite an adventure as they walk through Indian territory and lava fields and through blizzards and flash floods. But also it's Clara's story as she discovers her own heart. The historical details are ...more

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Jul 05, 2011 The Library Lady rated it it was ok

Shelves: historical_fiction, ya-books

I really wanted to love this--it's based on a true story, it's historical fiction of the Patricia Beatty sort, but the author's enthusiasm for her family story just didn't translate as well into a YA book as it could have in the hands of someone like Beatty. The ending was particularly awkward--the author seems to have wanted a more uplifting ending instead of sticking to the real story, but somehow the ending just doesn't satisfy. Disappointing--another of those books where I wonder if the "pro ...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Jessica rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 29, 2014 Stephanie A. rated it really liked it

Shelves: girl-protagonists, historical-fiction

I've been trying to walk more, so this book is a great motivator. Feeling ready to stop after 3 miles? PSHAW. People can do 25 in a day, this is nothing. Why not double your effort? As for the content: fascinating chapter of sadly obscure history. These women were an inspiration and had the adventure of a lifetime. I wish I could have met them, but I quite enjoyed their fictionalized personalities and all the exciting things that happened over the course of the trip. It's a shame their own writt ...more

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Nov 03, 2016 Eric Simonetti rated it liked it

I originally read this book because it's very beginning hooked me with the prospect of adventure and it delivered. It tells the story of a girl and her mother who walk across the United States from Washington State to New York City for woman's rights and to raise money to save their farm in the 1800's. Throughout the book I was kept on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next, and what it would all lead up to. It's also packed with imagery; the environments changing across the contin ...more

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Mar 14, 2011 Kelly rated it it was ok

Shelves: ya-fiction, read-in-2011

2.75 -- not quite a 3, but above a 2.5.

I thought the story itself was quite good and engaging, though some of the personal struggles overtook the story at hand. The pacing worked well enough, but the writing itself suffered a little. The diary format of the story worked, though the letter inclusion did get a little tiring. I could have appreciated a little more character development beyond the father issue, but I felt Clara and Helga were done well enough -- we knew they were strong women to ev ...more

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About Carole Estby Dagg

Carole Estby Dagg

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After careers as a children's librarian, certified public accountant, and assistant library director, I retired early to do what I had always wanted to do: write. My first book, The Year We Were Famous, was based on the true story of my great-aunt's 4,000-mile walk with her mother across the country in 1896.

My second book, Sweet Home Alaska, was inspired when my son bought a 1930's house across f ...more