At a glance
The Overland Escape
Children's Christian Historical Adventure
The Overland Escape
Book 1 of the An American Adventures Series series
176 pages · First published 1989
In 1934, twelve-year-old Hildy Corrigan is devastated when she returns to her family's Ozarks home and discovers that her stepmother has left with her five younger siblings. Determined to find them, Hildy runs away with her cousin Ruby, unaware that her grandmother has sent a relentless mountain hunter after them. Their journey takes them across Depression-era America as they follow the family's trail from Missouri toward Oklahoma and Illinois, encountering danger, unexpected kindness, and obstacles that test their courage. Still grieving her mother's death and struggling to trust God, Hildy must confront her anger and learn that appearances do not always reveal the whole truth. Filled with adventure, suspense, and heart, this opening novel in Lee Roddy's An American Adventure series is ideal for young readers who enjoy historical journeys, courageous heroines, and faith-centered stories about family and perseverance.
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Jump to the pours ↓Prairie Apple Shrub + Hot Toddy
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Death of a mother before the main events and ongoing grief; Child feeling abandoned and separation from younger siblings; Family manipulation and deception; Children fleeing home and being pursued, including a reported attempted abduction; Depression-era poverty and financial insecurity; Occasional tobacco use
Alcohol-Free Pour
Prairie Apple Shrub
Apple cider, maple, and lively ginger beer capture the rustic spirit of Depression-era America, with a bittersweet tang that reflects Hildy's determination to reunite her scattered family.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Stir the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup until the syrup dissolves. Pour over ice in a highball glass, top with ginger beer, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Thin apple slice.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Hot Toddy
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Warm whiskey, honey, and lemon offer a comforting contrast to Hildy and Ruby's difficult journey, recalling the unexpected kindness that helps them find hope along the road.
What you'll need
- 1.5 oz whiskey
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice ↗
- 2 tsp honey, adjusted to taste ↗
- 4 oz hot water
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How to mix it
- Stir honey and hot water in a heatproof mug until the honey dissolves. Add whiskey and lemon juice; stir gently.
- Garnish: Lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
- Glassware: Heatproof mug.
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