"Katy, a doctor’s daughter, lives a privileged life in New England and often accompanies her father on his visits to families during which she witnesses the harsh realities of life. Peggy, the hired girl, has a 13-year old brother, Jacob, who is silent and has fondness for animals. A fragile companionship develops between Katy and Jacob, and Katy learns that Jacob is at fault for a baby’s death. The photographs of characters and scenes add to the historical detail of the story."--Ministry of Education website.

English language arts grade 7 (2009).