16-year-old orphan Martitia Howland has been transplanted into a Quaker farm family of five intimidating sons and one disapproving daughter. As Martitia runs their gauntlet, she suffers their teasing but finally begins to bloom. Valiantly she acquires the skills they expect of her, and discovers other gifts all her own. Her achievements earn respect in the end and more, her heart's true love.

    The Harding family; Mom, Dad, Mark, Lucy and Jim are having trouble making ends meet. A relative with an apple orchard in Washington state invites them to join him, so they sell their house, buy a trailer, and travel across the United States, and adventures ensue.Illustrations by Gustaf Tenggren