Nell's Quilt

It's 1899--the last year of the old century--a time of anticipation and change. For eighteen-year-old Nell Edmonds, however, the "turn" into 1900 is an ominous and terrifying period. Nell had hoped to follow in the footsteps of Grandmother Shaw by going to college, perhaps even fighting for women's suffrage in Boston. Instead, they offer her another way to leave the farm: her cousin, Anson, has asked for her hand in marriage. At first, Nell is outraged, but then she realizes that for her parents' sake she must accept Anson's proposal.
In the months before the wedding, Nell takes refuge in making a crazy quilt from Grandmother Shaw's scrap fabrics. Never one for needlework, she surprises everyone with her new self-discipline. Yet her family and friends are worried: Nell is obsessed with creating the quilt and she seems to be retreating deep into a world of her own, where no one can help her.
Susan Terris is the author of numerous books for young readers. Her more recent novel, "The Latchkey Kids," was praised by The Voice for Youth Advocates for its "well-written, realistic dialogue and situations." Ms. Terris lives in San Francisco.