Our Only May Amelia: Part 1

By JENNIFER L. HOLM

My brother Wilbert tells me that I was the first ever girl born in Nasel, that I was a Miracle. He tells me this as we stand at the edge of the water, on the Nasel River, watching it rush by crazily. He is trying to cheer me up.

Wilbert has found me her eon the Baby Island where I have run away on account of Pappa being awful to me. Even Wilbert says it is terrible that Pappa was awful to me today, on my own birthday.

Wilbert is thirteen and my favourite brother which is something indeed since I have so many brothers, more than any girl should have. My secret birthday wish is to get a sister but I don't know how likely that is.

These are my brothers:

Matty is eighteen.

Kaarlo is seventeen and one half and is really our cousin but I guess he's sort of a brother.

Isaiah is sixteen.

Wendell is fifteen.

Alvin is fourteen.

Ivan is fourteen too. he is Alvin's twin and they look as alike as two blackberries. Only Wilbert and I can tell them apart, even Mamma has trouble.

Wilbert is thirteen.

May Amelia Jackson is twelve. That is Me.


We live on the Nasel in the state of Washington. It is 1899.

Publisher: HarperCollins

Price: $12.95

Age group: 9 plus years