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When Sally O'Malley Discovered the Sea

Audiobook
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 4 weeks
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 4 weeks
From the Newbery-Award winning author of Catherine, Called Birdy and The Midwife's Apprentice comes the story of an orphan who decides to go west—with nothing but gumption as her guide.
Sally O'Malley is an orphan working at a mineral spring hotel in the woods of central Oregon—that is, until she's chucked out like chewed-on chicken bones, due entirely to an unfortunate incident with a pig and some church ladies.
And so Sally decides to head west to the sea.  Glorious, she's heard. Fierce, she's heard. Why not see for herself? Before long Sally encounters a dangerous bobcat—and that's just the first day! Safe in the knowledge that she's fearless, she continues on her journey with no place to belong and no one to depend on. And that's just fine with her.
Then a lady called Major, an old donkey, a loyal dog, and an abominable brat show Sally that she's not quite as brave as she thinks.  
It turns out that counting on someone else is the scariest thing of all.
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from March 10, 2025
      Orphaned youth Sally hits the road with an empty belly, a few coins, and not much else in this evocative historical novel by Cushman (War and Millie McGonigle) that follows one girl’s search for belonging and lauds the healing power of human connection. In 1894 Oregon, there’s no going back to her job at the River Hotel and Mineral Spring after the establishment’s ruthless owner dismisses Sally like “chewed-on chicken bones.” An early stop for provisions prompts Sally to begin an epic journey “West. To the sea.” She soon begrudgingly accepts a ride on a mule-powered wagon from an older woman named Major and her protective pup, Sarge; the small wagon grows even more crowded when Major later agrees to transport a spoiled eight-year-old to his relatives. As they progress, the motley crew faces sweltering summer heat, a dastardly highwayman, a terrifying river passage, and a tragedy. Immersive period details capture the smells and sounds of Oregon’s developing cities, while old-timey vernacular (“Thunderation!” “Goldurn it!” “Gee whillikers!”) heightens humorous antics and buoys emotional scenes. At the heart of it all is tough-as-nails Sally, whose boundless curiosity and capacity for empathy despite ongoing trials and tribulations will have readers clambering to hitch a ride on this entertaining and gratifying adventure. Ages 8–12.

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  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

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