In Plain Sight — Carol Otis Hurst

When Sarah's father leaves their Massachusetts farm to prospect for gold in California, even his stories of riches and adventure can't console her. In his absence, Sarah chafes against her mother's cold demeanor and strict discipline, and at times it doesn't seem like anyone misses her fun-loving father the way she does. But she must put her feelings aside and work hard to help keep the farm running. From a scraped knee to a barn fire, Sarah faces each challenge, each crisis, with courage, determination, and good sense. Through her ordeals, Sarah comes to appreciate her mother's strength and perseverance and recognize the price the family has had to pay for her father's follies.