Living on a new homestead often meant pioneer families had to start with nothing; no house, no fields, and no neighbors. Pioneer children were expected to work just as hard as their parents. They cooked, gathered firewood, and helped in the fields, as well as going to school part of the year. Readers learn just how different life was for children on the frontier during the second half of the 19th century. Told from the perspective of a young pioneer girl, the main content covers food, clothing, and community, and historical images feature common family scenes.