Set during the 19th C. canal days, when Maggie’s father loses next year’s salary and two of their best mules in a bet with Long-Fingered John, the family is left desperate for money. They have only a few days to get the heavy cargo in their mule-drawn barge to Buffalo in order to make a much-needed bonus. But when Papa and Uncle Hen are arrested on an alleged assault charge, 12-year-old Maggie, her younger brother, and their pregnant mother must fight all manner of adversity to save their boat, their mules, and their life savings. In Desperate Journey, history and thrilling adventure are woven together into a moving story about courage, endurance and the powerful bonds of family.
In this historical novel, Jim Murphy introduces a compelling new character while exploring with grit and color 19th C. life on the canal. Riveting detail, an afterward, and a teacher’s guide will also help readers understand this brief time in which canals blossomed and helped speed people and goods to new destinations across America.