Singing Violet: The Decade between Georgia’s Gold Rush and the Trail of Tears

Singing Violet is riveting historical fiction set in the mountains of north Georgia during the decade between 1828 and 1838. The story opens with the Georgia Land Lottery of 1832, then follows the Stone family as they resettle on the Nottely River. Gold has been discovered in Dahlonega, and the ensuing population explosion is forcing the Cherokees off of their native land. Harsh circumstances cause the Stones to unwittingly provide a home for an abandoned young Cherokee girl. Eventually they come face to face with General Winfield Scott, the soldier responsible for rounding up Cherokees in preparation for their march out west on the infamous Trail of Tears. The book brings history to life for young readers, as it explores the former Cherokee capitol located in New Echota, Georgia, the Cherokee newspaper titled the Cherokee Phoenix and the Supreme Court ruling, Worcester v. Georgia. The fast-paced action educates as well as entertains. Singing Violet is the perfect complement to classroom instruction, or can be read for pure enjoyment.