The Latest from Marie

Yosemite Trail Discovered

Available: March 5, 2022

Series: Whitcomb Discoveries

Page Count: 285

ISBN: 9781957344034

1st Place Winner of the 2022 Angel Awards for YA Historical Fiction!

Join sixteen-year-old Daniel Whitcomb as he juggles a growing relationship with Virginia Reed, one of the survivors of the Donner Party, helps his Miwok friend learn how to read and write, and manages the account ledgers for his guardian, Jim Savage, at his trading posts in the California gold fields.

Is Jim correct when he says, You can’t possess what you can’t protect? Does that justify fighting the Yosemites after they attack Jim’s posts, or the Mariposa Battalion’s entrance into Yosemite to rout out the Ahwahneechee? And will Daniel ever make it back to Illinois to solve the mystery of his parents’ deaths?

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Reviews Are In

Adventurous and historical, this delightful story is a page turner and engaging, providing a vivid reminder of the challenges of the Gold Rush era as the miners and settlers clashed with the Native Americans over resources. Daniel’s character was particularly enjoyable. He is human, kindhearted, and imperfect in a wonderful way. 11 He is introspective as he works through an internal struggle with past misdeeds and life decisions. Kim Hamm Middle School Teacher, California

Yosemite Trail Discovered reveals much about the Gold Rush era, westward expansion, slavery, U.S. treatment of Native Americans, growth of California towns, and more. Best of all, it provides a gripping story. This YA historical novel will be an entertaining goldmine for young people, especially those learning about the origins of California as a state. Teachers will find it a useful tool. Colleen Peterson, PhD Author of Lucia’s Renaissance

Marie breathes new life, intrigue, and hope into the familiar story of the Donner Party and the Western Movement. As Daniel’s story is masterfully intertwined with history, he becomes a character I quickly begin rooting for. This story is a wonderful addition to the classroom collection of historical fiction. Teachers will love the STEM activities and recommended extensions. California Trail Discovered has universal appeal! Mary Pat Vargas , Elementary STEAM teacher, CA

This book contains History, Literature, Geography, and STEAM all in one! As a homeschool teacher, I appreciated how all of these subjects were woven together in one place, and as an avid reader, I loved that the lessons did not make the storyline feel awkward or forced. Pacing in this story was excellent, and the character development was not sacrificed on behalf of action, as there was an abundance of both. I loved reading Daniel's story; I highly recommend it! Rachel Summey, Homeschooling Mom, Richardson, TX Rachel Summey Homeschooling Mom, Richardson, TX

Marie Sontag once again displays her brilliant talent for storytelling in this book. The hardships, the endurance, the conflicts, plus the emotional depth of the characters all come to life in this wonderful tale of resilience and tenacity! This historical fiction is filled with rich detail and perfectly tuned for the middle-grade reader. It left me craving for more! Roberta Hendricks Reading Intervention Specialist – Pampa, TX

"This is an homage to all Polish teenagers who fought the German evil so bravely during WWII. A must read." Julian Kulski Author of The Color of Courage, and a Polish Scout during WWII, son of the Polish may of Warsaw

"With a unique set of characters, Sontag's book transfers readers into the atmosphere and situation in Poland during 1939-1945. It is written with passion for the events and reveals the author's respect and compassion for the people and the disastrous events that transpired." Aleksandra Ziolkowska-Boehm Author of Kaia, Heroine of the 1944 Warsaw Rising

Sontag's Mediterranean world is a vivid one, and the story makes clear that even thousands of years ago, residents of the region were well traveled and knowledgeable about their realm . . . individuals looking for curriculum-based fiction may find the book a valuable tool. Kirkus Reviews

Sontag's final book of her Ancient Elements trilogy was an exhilarating conclusion to this Indiana Jones-like journey through the civilizations of the ancient middle eastern kingdoms. Students reading her books will effortlessly be educated, richly enhancing the core curriculum they are learning in their middle school classes. Jean Fujiki Library Media Clerk, Cupertino, CA

The Silver Coin is so visual throughout, using conversation to move the characters forward in this third book of Dr. Sontag’s trilogy. My sixth grade students love to read her books! Susan Peers Social Studies Teacher, San Jose, CA

The Alabaster Jar is filled with adventure, intrigue, mystery and Marie develops her characters with such depth and meaning. Cheryl Palos Amazon Reviewer