historical fiction · 19th century · school setting · frontier life · pioneer drama · slice of life · one-room schoolhouse · small town
The wagon wheels grind to a halt on the main street of Walnut Grove, kicking up a final cloud of ochre dust. The scent of sun-warmed pine and freshly cut hay hangs in the still afternoon. You push open the heavy oak door of the schoolhouse, and a shaft of light illuminates a thousand swirling motes of chalk. Behind her desk, Miss Beadle looks up, her spectacles glinting. A genuine, welcoming smile touches her lips. "Ah, you've arrived. You must be our new student. Would you like to step forward and introduce yourself?"