Letters to Oma: A Young German Girl's Account of Her First Year in Texas, 1847
by Marj Gurasich

When fifteen-year-old Christina Eudora Von Scholl learns that her family will leave their German homeland to seek freedom in Texas, her greatest sorrow is leaving behind her beloved grandmother. And so, in a series of letters, she takes "Oma" on this great adventure with her family.

Sometimes the letters are dark with discouragement, for the Von Scholls find, as did many German-Texas families, that the Society for the Protection of German Emigrants, known as the Adelsverein, was unable to fulfill its promises of land, housing, horses, and farm implements. But they are Germans, determined and willing to work hard.

More often these letters-and the text woven in between them-are bright with adventure, as Tina finds Texas an exciting if puzzling place. There are new customs to learn, new foods to eat, even while the family preserves its traditional German ways. Tina's adventures include a run-in with a mountain lion, an exciting trip across Texas with her father to the college at Sisterdale, and a frightening encounter with Lipan Apaches. Her lessons in being an American are helped by Jeff, a young man who becomes part of the family when he undertakes to teach them how to farm in Texas. Tina, in return, teaches Jeff to read and learns a lesson in love that is without nationality.  

MARJ GURASICH is the author of A House Divided, Red Wagons and White Canvas, Benito and the White Dove, and Did You Ever Meet a Texas Hero? She lives in the Houston Area.

A Chaparral Book for Young Readers