The Courage of Sarah Noble, by Alice Dalgliesh
In 1707, Sarah Noble’s family lived in Westfield, Massachusetts. When John Noble purchases a tract of land in New Milford, Connecticut, he takes eight-year-old Sarah with him. Mrs. Noble stays in Westfield with the younger children.
The journey to New Milford takes many days. Sometimes they sleep with other settlers, and other times, in the woods. When they get to their new home, they hollow a shallow cave in a hill and sleep there. Before Sarah left home, her mother gave her a beautiful new red cloak. She told her, “Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble.” In these new and strange surroundings, Sarah repeats her mother’s admonition many times.
The first day Mr. Noble goes off to begin construction on the cabin, he leaves Sarah alone at their campsite. Soon, she finds herself surrounded by Indian children. Not knowing what to do, Sarah reads to them from the Bible. After that, they come every day. Sarah teaches them English words, and they teach her the Indian equivalent. They become good friends, spending every day playing and exploring.
When the cabin is finished, John Noble returns to Westfield for the rest of his family. He leaves Sarah in the care of the local Indians. Once again, Sarah must dig deep for the courage she needs to endure her father’s absence.
