Song of Sampo Lake

"William Durbin’s attention to detail—both historical and fictional—make him one of today’s masters of historical YA fiction." —David Gill, ALAN/National Council of Teachers of English

"Compelling historical fiction." —School Library Journal

"A rich introduction to both an important aspect of the American experience and a memorable and immensely likable family." —Booklist

For fifteen-year-old Matti Ojala and his family, Finnish immigrants in Minnesota in 1900, starting a new life in America is both a hardship and an opportunity. After a tragic mining accident kills their beloved uncle, the family turns away from on the iron mines to pursue the dream of owning a homestead in the wilderness. This means constant hard work and new challenges for the entire family. But will it also allow Matti, the in-between child, the chance to escape from his older brother’s shadow and gain the approval of his father, which he so desperately desires?

William Durbin is a former high school and college English teacher and the award-winning author of ten novels, including Wintering and The Broken Blade. He lives on Lake Vermilion at the edge of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.