Boston Jane facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Jennifer L. Holm |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Boston Jane |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Set in | Washington Territory |
| Published | 2001 by HarperCollins |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 272 pages |
| ISBN | 9780375836909 |
| Followed by | Boston Jane: Wilderness Days |
Boston Jane: An Adventure is an exciting historical novel for young readers by Jennifer L. Holm. Published in 2001, it's the first book in the "Boston Jane" series. The story follows a young woman named Jane Peck. She gets the nickname "Boston Jane" from the Chinook people. This is because the first Americans they met were from Boston. So, they called all Americans "Boston" followed by their name.
Contents
Jane's Journey to the Wild West
The story begins in 1855. Sixteen-year-old Jane Peck leaves Philadelphia for Shoalwater Bay in the Washington Territory. She is traveling to meet William Baldt, who she is supposed to marry. Jane sails on a ship called the Lady Luck. Her Irish maid, Mary, is with her, but sadly dies during a big storm. Other passengers include Father Joseph, a French priest, and Jehu Scudder, a sailor.
Life Before the Adventure
The book also shows parts of Jane's past in Philadelphia. These are called flashbacks. They reveal how Jane changed from a wild girl into a quiet young lady. She started attending Miss Hepplewhite's Academy for Young Ladies. There, she learned proper "manners."
At first, Jane found it hard to fit in. But she soon became very good at her studies. She even became a favorite student of Miss Hepplewhite. Her father, Dr. James Peck, didn't like her transformation much. He told her to "speak your mind" and not to be too focused on fashion. The flashbacks also show her friendship with William. He was studying to be a surgeon with Jane's father.
New Beginnings in Washington Territory
When Jane finally arrives at Shoalwater Bay, things are not as she expected. William has left the area. He thought Jane had changed her mind about marrying him. Jane finds herself alone without a chaperone.
Meeting New Friends
She soon meets Mr. Swan, a botanist who studies plants. She also befriends Mr. Russell, one of the oldest settlers there. With no home of her own, Jane stays with Mr. Russell and other "rough" men. She also meets members of the Chinook tribe. These include Chief Toke, his wife Suis, and their daughter Sootie. Another Chinook man is called Handsome Jim.
Learning to Survive
Jane quickly realizes her fancy academy training isn't much help in the Washington Territory. She doesn't know how to cook. So, she starts mending shirts for Mr. Russell and the other men. Soon, she learns to cook using a recipe book Mary left behind. She even adapts her favorite cherry pie recipe to use local salmonberries.
Adventures and Challenges
Jane has many new experiences in the wilderness. One day, Mr. Swan's canoe is lost in a storm. Jane tries to find it but can't. Instead, she trades many of her wedding clothes with Suis to get a new canoe. She and Suis become good friends. Mr. Swan then lets Jane join his oyster business. Jane names the new canoe The Brandywine.
Fourth of July and a New Feeling
Jane attends the big Fourth of July party. There, she meets Jehu Scudder again. They dance together, and Jehu tells her he loves her. Jane feels a connection to him but runs away. She falls off a cliff but recovers. Jehu leaves soon after.
Facing Hardship and Change
Chief Toke, Mr. Russell, and Mr. Swan leave for Astoria. Jane stays with the Chinooks and Father Joseph. Sadly, the Chinooks become sick with smallpox. Jane and Father Joseph, who are both vaccinated, try to help. But many people die, including Jane's friend Suis. Jane bravely dresses Suis in her own wedding dress. She wants Suis to be beautiful in heaven.
Handsome Jim is deeply affected by the sickness. He is no longer the carefree young man he was. He renames himself Keer-usko, meaning Crooked-nose.
William's Return and Jane's Choice
The men return from Astoria, and William is with them. He is surprised to see Jane. She has become much wilder than before. Keer-usko tells Jane he doesn't like William. Jane also starts to have doubts about William. She soon learns that William only wanted to marry her for land. Married men received more land back then. Jane realizes she never truly loved William. She breaks off their engagement, and William leaves.
Jane thinks about returning to Philadelphia. But then she sees Jehu walking towards her. She realizes she is no longer just Miss Jane Peck of Philadelphia. She is "Boston Jane" of Shoalwater Bay.
Awards
- ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- Book Sense 76 Pick
- Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award
