Holly Wilson (1) (1907–1980)

Out of print, unfortunately, but still available in used book outlets. This is one of the best books I remember from my early years -- I was reminded of it in conversation with a friend and hunted down a used copy. I am very surprised how vivid the book is after decades -- this is a brightly told story, with great characters and a believable young girl that I remember being able to easily identify with. The narrative itself, the characters and the plot are all excellent and, frankly, a show more little more complex than most YA books in recent years.
The story takes place in Henry's Bend, a small town in Michigan, and while the background theme is of social prejudice that identifies the wrong person for a crime, the real story is of the friendship between an Irish girl, Jo Shannon, and Onata, a Chippewa. The story interweaves, subtly and realistically, issues of property, heritage, cultural differences, and uses Jo's ability to question things and work through her own -- and her friends' -- presumptions in order to live out adventures -- a fire, a blizzard, shooting a gun (almost) and becoming an honorary part of a Chippewa family.
That this story was written in 1957 is quite incredible -- it really is an exploration of Anglo and Indian children trying to understand each other's worlds, and manages to do so without getting heavy-handed and without sacrificing a really terrific adventure story where two young girls are shown to be independent, creative, and tough-minded about things that really count.
The author, Holly Wilson, wrote a few other books; she can also be searched on the internet under Helen Finnegan Wilson. show less

I read this as an adult but would have loved Snowbound in Hidden Valley as a 10 year old. The story never drags—it’s full of adventure and drama. There are several stories going on, but the main storyline of two girls from different cultures becoming friends is sweet and believable.