Mary Reeder, Prairie Girl

About the Book

Mary was five years old when her mother died, leaving her in the care of her aunt and uncle, along with her two-year-old cousin. In 1907, the family decided to leave Kansas and move to the stark and empty territory of New Mexico. Mary wondered what it would be like there. She never expected the harshness of the land, or the difficulties the prairie would present for her and her new family. Along with other settlers in eastern New Mexico, and faced with dangers and hardships, the Jones family became a part of a great adventure on the vast and lonely prairie. Besides stampeding cattle, strange creatures, and the wild western winds, they battled many other obstacles in their fight for survival on the prairie.

About the Author

Deborah Strickland was born in Portales, New Mexico. Although she was not a ?prairie girl?, she was raised in the small town of Ft. Sumner, near the site of the Jones family home. Growing up, she was a friend and neighbor to the real Mary (Reeder) Jones. Deborah is now teaching fourth grade in a private school in Abilene, Texas. In 2006 she was named Texas Christian Schools Teacher of the Year. Debbie has written poetry, songs, and short stories.