WINNER Gold Medal; Independent Publishers Group 2011; Silver Medal Ben Franklin award; Bronze IPPY award; USA BOOK NEWS National Best Books 2010 Awards Finalist in the Multicultural Nonfiction category and Finalist Narrative Non-Fiction -- The West didn't close in 1893; contrary to what American historian Frederick Jackson Turner proclaimed. There were opportunities for adventurous Nordic women who became part of America s westward expansion. Seduced by stories of promised riches in the New World and America Fever; that intense desire to emigrate to America; seventeen-year-old Ida Maria Andersdotter Lillbroanda leaves her family in Ostrobothnia on the West Coast of Finland for a destination halfway around the globe to the wild western edge of the North American continent. Ida crosses over the little bridge Lillbroanda that is her namesake. Or is it the metaphysical; genetic; spiritual; metaphoric bridge to a new world; Ida being the link from the Old World to the new? The compelling story about a young Finnish peasant girl follows Ida Maria Andersdotter Lillbroanda's trek across North America from her disappointing arrival in Quebec in 1893 where she is quarantined because of diphtheria aboard ship; to Minnesota and Telluride; Colorado where she marries an ore miner and manages their boarding house. Turbulent conditions at the mines prompt their return to Finland in 1901 for a visit. Her husband urges that they remain in Finland; but Swedish-speaking Ida Maria responds adamantly; Till Amerika vi go; Finland is an Autonomous Grand Duchy under Russian rule; her husband lacks appropriate papers; so Ida Maria enacts her stealth plan to get her husband aboard the ship to America. The Legacy of Ida Lillbroanda retraces the life of an ordinary woman who attains extraordinary achievements in her time and place. Historical; cultural and genealogical material are skillfully woven into the immigrant story as well as personal recollections of the author and those of the prior generation. As her daughters attest; Ida Maria is a determined young woman with a goal in mind and a mind of her own. Despite adversities and family tragedies; Ida Maria Sundquist fulfills her American Dream on their own farm in the fertile Skagit Valley of Washington State. Eight-time award-winning historical narrative nonfiction. The Legacy of Ida Lillbroanda is being translated into Swedish.
#721081 in Books 2016-03-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x .59 x 7.50l; 1.00 #File Name: 1910559148260 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Keeton-Digby writes beautifully; both welcoming and inspiring mothers to connect with ...By Amy BammelIf you are raising a daughter; The Heroines Club is a must-have for your parenting library. Far beyond the trendy "Girl Power!" themed offerings of the last several years; The Heroines Club delves deeply into the consistently overlooked worth of women throughout history; and uses their powerful and inspiring stories to connect with not only girls; but their mothers as well. Creating a space for both mothers and daughters together is a critical shift from typical girl empowerment fare and is what differentiates The Heroines Club from others in this genre.Keeton-Digby writes beautifully; both welcoming and inspiring mothers to connect with their dreams; honor their bodies; and advocate for themselves -- right along with their daughters.This book is both life changing and paradigm shifting -- offering daughters the chance to learn about and identify with real women of substance; and offering mamas the opportunity to be more than merely by-standers in the empowerment of the next generation of women.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Wow!By nwlmoonThe Heroines Club is a terrific book for bringing mothers and daughters together in a mutual support network. It's easy and fun to read but also based on solid scholarship. One thing I love about this book is how it provides not just knowledge about great women; but also specific activities for mothers and daughters to do together. We can use the plans as is; or rearrange them to suit our own group and personalities. The suggested activities are fun and playful. Rather than a school lesson they feel like a big hug. Doing it in a group with other mothers and daughters makes it more real and meaningful; as well as making our friendships stronger.Girls approaching or going through puberty are hit with a lot of negative messages about who and what they are supposed to be. Having the support of other women can help them get through this difficult time and come out stronger. The Heroines Club can also be helpful for motherless women who are facing the challenge of building their own mothers from the inside out.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This title was clearly a labor of love for the authorBy Anne BurnettThis lovely and practical book is a "must" for mothers of daughters and daughters of mothers. It provides the template for developing a supportive circle allowing girls to explore their own power and creativity. Along the way; all participants learn about strong women from diverse backgrounds as they learn about each other. This title was clearly a labor of love for the author; whose joy in facilitating the first Heroines Club shines throughout the entire volume. What a delightful and useful gift for all mother-daughter pairs.
