Desperate Journey

Age Range 9-12 years
Set during the 19th C. canal days. When Maggie's father loses next year's salary and two of their best mules in a bet with Long-Fingered John, the family is left desperate for money. They have only a few days to get the cargo in their mule-drawn barge to Buffalo. When Papa and Uncle Hen are arrested on an alleged assault charge, 12-year-old Maggie, her younger brother, and their pregnant mother must fight adversity to save their boat, their mules, and their life savings. In Desperate Journey, history and thrilling adventure are woven together into a moving story about courage, endurance and the powerful bonds of family.