We loved this book so much that we made a series of activities around the book. Find them here: http://americanhistory.si.edu/ourstor...

My daughter and I really loved this, and when I heard it mentioned again, I knew I had to read it again. I don't know if my teenager will want to cuddle up with me to reread it however. ( )

My daughter and I really loved this, and when I heard it mentioned again, I knew I had to read it again. I don't know if my teenager will want to cuddle up with me to reread it however. ( )

This book was about a young girl named Abbie. In the past, lighthouses have warned sailors of coastal dangers. Lighthouses kept lamps lit to warn sailors of the coast. Abbie's father, Captain Burgess, had to go after needed supplies. Abbie was left in charge of her sisters and sick mother. Abbie was unsure she could handle such responsibilities, but her father assured her she could. Shortly after her father leaving, there was a horrible storm. Abbie kept the lamps burning, took care of her mom and her sisters. By the end of the story, her Dad had returned and she found a new restored fate in this responsibility she endured.

I did not like the book all that much. I guess may be its because I can't relate very well to this time in history. I did enjoy the fact that the girl Abbie was able to take on a challenge and conquer it. He Dad had faith in her and she was able to uphold the trust he had in her. She was able to ensure the safety and health of her family as well the sailors.

One of the main ideas to help students to learn this book would be to talk about inner struggles and discuss Abbie's struggles with the children. You could also have them draw lighthouses and name two reason why they were so important in the this time.

From the back: "This is the exciting true story of Abbie Burgess, who single-handedly kept the lighthouse lamps lit during a tremendous storm off the coast of Maine in 1856." I enjoyed this easy reader that also happens to be a Reading Rainbow book. I'll be sure to check out more from the On My Own History series! ( )