Product Description

Kirsten Larson has been living on the Minnesota frontier for only a few weeks when her neighbor and friend, Erik Sandahl, disappears. Erik had promised to help the Larsons at harvest time, and he owes Uncle Olav money. Everyone believes Erik has run out on his promises-except Kirsten. Can she figure out what's happened to her friend?

Written by Kathleen Ernst, a four-time nominee for the Agatha and Edgar Awards, this is the first mystery featuring the American Girl historical character Kirsten Larson. Includes a glossary of Swedish words and an illustrated "Looking Back" essay.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83834 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 179 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781593692988
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 3–5—This installment in the popular series follows the adventures of a young Swede adjusting to life on the Minnesota frontier in the mid 1800s. When her neighbor Erik, who had promised to help her family with the harvest, mysteriously vanishes, leaving an unpaid loan behind, Kirsten is determined to find out what happened to him. Despite her family's opinion that he merely ran away from his responsibilities, she feels that he may have had different motives. Against her parents' wishes, she investigates and discovers several clues that lead to the truth of Erik's disappearance. Throughout the story, the author weaves in information about the dangers of frontier life, and the narrative concludes with interesting historical notes describing what life was like for these early immigrants.—Donna Atmur, Los Angeles Public Library
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Customer Reviews

Fabulous mystery about Kirsten, an American Girl
Another outstanding book by one of the best writers of the History Mystery Books published by American Girl about 10-12 years ago. Great to read further adventures about Kirsten, the Swedish immigrant girl in Minnesota back in the 1870s. This is the first mystery AG has published about Kirsten, and it is welcomed by our family! Absorbing story that truly helps to understand history in a meaningful way. Also always enjoy a good mystery. Is being read now by my 35 yr old dghtr, who will then read it to my 5 yr old gr dgtr --this book appeals to 3 generations!

American Girl Book
My grand-daughter loves the American Girl doll, Kirsten. She also is an avid reader. For her 11th birthday, not only did she get this book, she got the Kirsten doll, doll bed and quilt. She was so surprised and happy.

Another great American Girls book
This wonderful book is part of the American Girls Mystery series, in which young girls throughout the history of the United States confront mysteries, and persevere against all odds. This particular book focuses on Kirsten Larson, a young girl who immigrated from Sweden, and one of American Girls' premier historical characters.

When Erik Sandahl, one of Kirsten's neighbors suddenly disappears, Kirsten's father and uncle decide it was to avoid paying his debts. As a matter of fact, Uncle Olav cosigned for one of Erik's debts, and the default on the debt allowed the sheriff to seize the family's oxen in repayment. The families need those oxen to get the harvest in, and it will take a lot of hard work to get it down without them. Just what happened to Erik? It seems so strange that he would do such a think, and Kirsten just can't accept that he ran away. Now, it is up to Kirsten to use all of her talents to help her family and her friend Erik!

This is another great American Girls book. It is extremely well-written and easy-to-read, which makes it good for a somewhat younger reader. Also, the story is interesting and uplifting, and mystery handled extremely well. So, if you are a fan of the American Girls' Kirsten books, then get The Runaway Friend, you will not be disappointed!