In the dawning light of September 22, 1711, ten-year-old Gisella slips away from home to play with friends, ignoring her mother's request to gather beautyberries. That simple act of childhood rebellion saves her life but condemns her to witness the brutal Tuscarora attack that decimates the North Carolina settlements she calls home.

When the morning games are shattered by distant screams, Gisella and eleven other children find themselves the sole survivors of a massacre. Led by thirteen-year-old Matthew, who takes charge with a wisdom beyond his years, the children flee into the wilderness with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the horrific memories they cannot escape.

As they navigate the treacherous woods, evading detection and battling hunger, Gisella finds her strength in providing comfort to the younger children. Her journey transforms her from a carefree child to a resilient young woman who must confront the harsh realities of colonial America and the complex tensions between settlers and indigenous peoples.

Based on the true story of child survivors of the 1711 Tuscarora Massacre, I'm American: In the Light of Dawn shines a light on a pivotal moment in early American history, exploring themes of survival, responsibility, and finding hope in the darkest of circumstances. This meticulously researched historical fiction illuminates how ordinary children found extraordinary courage when faced with unimaginable tragedy.

If you enjoyed The Last of the Mohicans, The Sign of the Beaver, and Woods Runner, you'll love I'm American: In the Light of Dawn.

L.C. Rusch

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