Kelly's Search for Family

It’s 1880 and Kelly lives alone with her Papa, a lighthouse-keeper in Massachusetts. She longs to know more about her Mama, and Papa has finally promised to tell her the truth on her fourteenth birthday. Before Kelly can learn much though, dangerous men—the notorious Blackburn brothers—arrive unannounced and take Papa away. Kelly is left alone and responsible for the lighthouse. 

Granny, a former slave and family friend, learns of Kelly’s plight and decides to help find the answers to her questions. Mysterious letters, snow storms, and violence threaten Kelly’s safe haven as new friends help unearth old secrets in Kelly’s lighthouse home. How can she bring her Papa back? Who is her true family? 


Kelly’s Search for Family contains thought-provoking discussion questions for young readers.