The Jumping Off Place by Marian Hurd McNeely

Four young homesteaders strive to succeed on a quarter section in Tripp County, South Dakota, at the beginning of the 1900s. Faced with the prospect of the upcoming harsh winter, the youngsters work hard to "prove up" the land and buildings. The orphans learn that the prairie is not as lonely as it looks and that they are stronger than they look. 

Paperback 

321 Pages 

ISBN: 978-0-9798940-4-6

About the author: Marian Hurd McNeely wrote numerous books, articles, and poems for young readers. The Jumping-Off Place, a Newbery Honor Book written in 1929, is based on McNeely's own experiences as a homesteader in Tripp County. 

Image description: The cover illustration depicts a painting-like illustration of a person riding a horse, with a girl walking next to them. They are walking in a green field, with some flowers, and two houses. The sky is blue but cloudy. The title and author's name are printed in the sky. There is also a Newbery Honor Book medal printed on the left of the horse.