A Place of Refuge

Book excerpt: Thirteen-year-old Elsje Van Der Zuiden was content with life on her family's farm near Pella, Iowa--a place of refuge for her parents and other Dutch immigrants. Forced to leave the land of their birth, these natives of the Netherlands faced many hardships building homes on the prairie.Suddenly, Elsje is confronted with the possibility of moving away from the home she's always known. She is excited about seeing a treeless wilderness of northwest Iowa--yet she knows she will miss her beloved trees. Come join Elsje as she faces adventures such as milking, berry picking with friends, a surprise birthday party, and even becoming an aunt.Author Renae B. Vander Schaaf has always enjoyed reading history. When she discovered the special background behind Orange City, Iowa, she knew it had to be shared with others.A columnist and writer for agricultural papers, Renae has been blessed to share life on the farm with her husband Dave and six children.