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About The Book

Orphaned Julia never expected to be sent away, especially not to the ill-named House of Mercy. But adventure awaits her in this historical journey, based on a true story.

“Go home,” eleven-year-old orphan Julia Delaney is told, but home for her is gone. Spirited and strong, Julia faces a cruel life at an orphanage—the House of Mercy—blistering cold winters, and countless disappointments. But not even hopeful Julia can imagine what awaits her in Montana—and with the help of a miracle or two, she sets the sun a-sailing.

Like the heroines of the beloved American Girls series, Julia’s journey paints a vivid picture of United States history. Based on the true story of a real girl, with additional details explained in an Author’s Note, The Year We Sailed the Sun is historical fiction at its best.

About The Author

Photograph by Kevin Cooney

Theresa Nelson has written eight books for young readers, and at least six as-of-yet-unproduced screenplays. Four of her novels have been cited as Best Books of the Year by School Library Journal: The 25¢ Miracle, And One for All, The Beggar’s Ride, and Earthshine, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book. She lives in Los Angeles, California, and is married to actor Kevin Cooney. They are the parents of three grown sons.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 24, 2015)
  • Length: 240 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781481406499
  • Grades: 3 - 7
  • Ages: 9 - 12
  • Lexile ® 940L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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