Konrad and Albertina [B2267]

2009 signed PB in nice clean condition. From Olympia author and OUUC member, Deborah Jane Ross. Konrad and Albertina is based on what is known of the true story of the Schneider family, settlers on Puget Sound, in early Washington Territory. Konrad and Albertina Schneider, a German stonemason and his Swedish bride, make their way from Burlington, Iowa to Puget Sound on the Oregon Trail. They are accompanied by Konrad's best friend and brother-in-law, George Lotz. When Konrad is hired as chief mason for the New Dungeness Lighthouse, he sends for his teenaged nephew John back in Burlington. The triumphant completion of the lighthouse is soon overshadowed by tragedy when Konrad and John are arrested for theft. The arrest and its aftermath cast a long shadow over the relationship between Konrad and George, and over Konrad's involvement in the developing community of Olympia, Washington. Told from the points of view of four young protagonists, Konrad and Albertina is an entertaining, yet historically accurate, account of the early development of Washington Territory. Although not written specifically for the young adult audience, it is suitable for both adults and teens. Author Deborah Ross worked closely with descendants of Konrad and Albertina Schneider, as well as local historians and archivists to recreate the family's story and times. Note: the story continues in Tales from Schneider's Creek, a sequel that follows the lives of the Schneider children as they make their homes on Schneider Prairie and West Olympia.

From Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "This was a fascinating and well-researched piece of history. It is the true story of a German stonemason and his Swedish bride, who move to Puget Sound in the 1850's. The author did a lovely job filling out the letters and newspaper articles with story. Konrad was not a likable fellow, and yet he was very real. Albertina was a most interesting woman, and I'm so glad she has gotten to have her story told."; "A true story of the local immigrant experience."; "Having lived in Olympia Washington for many years, and visited the lighthouse built by the protagonist of this story, I appreciated the depth of research that went into this story. The place and time come to life through the main characters. This charming book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of the region. Residents of Puget Sound will be fascinated by the transformation of forests, prairies and mudflats to the landscape we now know. In particular, how this transformation was accomplished slowly by real people, such as the hard-working and moody protagonist."