Alone Yet Not Alone

Craven (Unfading Beauty) draws on her family history in this moving historical novel. In a 1755 raid on Pennsylvania settlers, Allegheny Indians kidnap two sisters, Barbara and Regina Leininger, ages 12 and nine, respectively. Told from Barbara’s point of view, the story focuses on how her Christian faith helps her endure her four-year captivity. When the tribes separate the sisters, Barbara risks escape to find Regina, but is recaptured and nearly burned alive. The chief’s son, Galasko, stays her punishment, but Barbara vows to one day escape and find Regina. Bolstered by her friendship with Marie, a fellow “Yengee” (Yankee) captive, Barbara swears, “Together with Christ’s strength, we will continue on until we are free.” Throughout the story, thoughts of home, entwined with memories of learning the Bible, buoy Barbara’s conviction that she will see her family again. This is a well-written adventure told from the point of view of an intelligent, observant, and mature girl on the brink of adolescence, with a knack for sharing relevant detail. A movie based on the book will be released in 2013. Ages 7–12. (Jan.)