Nora Burglon (1900–1976)

When young Siri and Erik and their widowed mother buy a deserted farm with an ancient Viking grave mound on the land, they have no idea of the challenges and adventures that await them. First they must use their wits and humor to survive without money, as well as deal with suspicious townspeople. Later they participate in the mysterious and exciting events that lead to the opening of the mound and the discovery of a rich hoard of ancient Viking treasure.

This chapter book was a delight to read. Guldklumpen and Nicolina live with there mother as crofters (which seems to be similar to sharecroppers) in Sweden. There father is out at sea and has not been heard from for years, so the impoverished mother raises her children alone, instilling independence, imagination, industry, and love of learning in the two. They have adventures as they weed the potatoes, go ice-fishing, attend school, participate in weaving contests, barter duck eggs for show more laying hens, and plan how to earn the money to buy a cow. While the gender roles are mentioned (several things Guldklumpen wants to do "because he was a boy"), we also hear snippets of traditional Swedish beliefs which gives this book value to one with Swedish heritage.
This was not, however, the book I had hoped to find. Also about children growing up in a croft, but i strongly remember the daughter planning and working on a weaving in order to win a local prize and earn money. If anyone has a clue what the title is, please send me a message. show less

Wow. The children and mother in this book were so beautifully written. It gave me an opportunity to talk about the way these children were vs another child whose parent was very powerful and cruel. A slow read but worth the hard work with the sweetness of the children and mother's character.

Christian - 4 stars

Two poor children in Norway struggle to save up enough money to buy a cow for their mother's farm.
Seems typical of the age, and a little too saccharine for me.