A Place of Refuge — Renae B. Vander Schaaf

Thirteen-year-old Elsje Van Der Zuiden was content with life on her family's farm near Pella, Iowa―a place of refuge for her parents and other Dutch immigrants. Forced to leave their native land, these natives of the Netherlands faced many hardships building homes on the prairie. Suddenly, Elsje is confronted with the possibility of moving away from the home she's always known. She is excited about seeing a treeless wilderness of northwest Iowa. Yet she knows she will miss her beloved trees. Come join Elsje as she faces adventures such as milking, berry picking with friends, a surprise birthday party, and even becoming an aunt.