A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Sixteen-year-old Mattie, determined to attend college and be a writer against the wishes of her father and boyfriend, takes a job at a hotel in 1906 where the death of a guest renews her determination to live her own life.

Liz says:

“Based on a real murder (the same murder that Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy is based on) is compelling as a murder mystery but is much more. This is also a glimpse of life at the turn of the century in upstate New York. Mattie is an incredibly intelligent and determined young lady whose decisions and relationships are inspiring. Moms will enjoy reading this along with their teens.”