SOLVED. YA set in Wild West, female lead, lending library. [s]

[Tori]

Plot involves a young woman, 13-15 years old, who moves out west with her family and hates it. They operate a laundry or room and board for miners. She ends up starting a lending library. Spoilers and quotes: At one point, her brother falls into a river and dies slowly, stating he can "feel his life evaporating like steam off a wet boot on a hot day"? One of the miners tells the girl that "me bum is froze to me britches, pardon me altogether". Publication date probably in the early-mid 2000s?

[Rosa]

The Ballad of Lucy Whipple?

[Tori]

Rosa wrote: "The Ballad of Lucy Whipple?"

THAT'S THE BEAN! Thank you!

[Rosa]

You’re welcome! That’s such a good book. Karen Cushman is one of my favorite authors.