After fleeing the Civil War, Selina’s family finds refuge in the quiet town of St. Jacobs, Upper Canada. Though she has a new home and even her own room, Selina can’t shake her memories of loved ones left behind. Every touch of the Bear Paw quilt reminds her of days in Pennsylvania.
When news arrives that her grandmother will visit with cousin Henry, Selina feels excited and anxious. As the family prepares for their arrival, chores and anticipation fill each day. Henry’s troubled silence hints at wounds deeper than any border crossing.
Together in the kitchen, Selina and her grandmother tackle a surprising recipe: shoo-fly pie. Through mixing sticky molasses and flour, Selina discovers more than a dessert—she uncovers a shared history that offers comfort and hope.
Highlights
- Resilience amid change: adjusting to a new home and culture
- Family bonds: healing through shared traditions
- Cultural cuisine: the significance of Pennsylvania Dutch recipes
- Childhood perspective: navigating memories and new beginnings