Kathleen (Sunfire) [Paperback]

Candice F. Ransom (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sunfire

Behind her was the home she could never return to. Ahead was the shining promise of America...and love. There were times she wished she'd never come to America. Pretty, spirited Kathleen O'Connor arrives in Boston on a "coffin" ship from Ireland. She has escaped the devastating famine, but her boyfriend died at home and her parents didn't survive the voyage to America. Still, the promise of a new life gives her hope. Patrick, a friend from the ship, finds a job for her as a maid with the wealthy Thornley family. They remind Kathleen of the landowners in Ireland who forced her from her home. She wants to despise them, but she can't hate David Thornley, who is tender and handsome, and obviously attracted to her. Her secret love for David could force Kathleen to go back to Ireland or make her dreams for a new life in America come true.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reissue edition (January 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590332406
• ISBN-13: 978-0590332408
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #536,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Candice Ransom (1952-) is the author of more than 100 books for children, including Tractor Day (Walker), Pony Island (Walker), Finding Day's Bottom (Carolrhoda), Seeing Sky-Blue Pink (Carolrhoda), Secret in the Tower (Wizards of the Coast), and Hello, Virginia! (Sterling). Ransom's books are often set in her native state of Virginia, where her family has lived since 1711. Honors and awards include starred reviews, IRA Teacher's Choice, IRA Children's Choice, Pick of the List, New York Public Library Best 100 Books, and Smithsonian Notable Book. Nearly 50 of her books have been translated into twelve languages. She has an MFA in writing from Vermont College and an MA in children's literature from Hollins University and teaches in Hollins University's graduate program in children's literature. Ransom lives with her husband in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So is it worth it?, April 16, 2003

By 

Karen Y. Peck - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kathleen (Sunfire) (Paperback)

To a collector of Scholastic's late, lamented young adult historical romances, the tale of Kathleen is the "holy grail". Is it worth it? Not as moving as Emily but it features so much more than your typical Sunfire. Kathleen watches her world crumble around her - sometimes, literally. She loses her home, her family, and finds herself alone in an 1840's Boston that is none to friendly to the Irish. Kathleen finds work at the grand Thornley mansion, and meets David... but while the ending seems too pat, too easy in those last two pages the journey there is just as vivid - Ransom's gift for painting images of a long-ago time and place is just as strong here as it was in Emily, Susannah and Amanda. Hint for hunters: their large size would often mean that the first 15 Sunfires are often incorrectly stuck in the regular romance, not children's, section at many a used bookstore. Just a tip!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book in a great series that is terriby missed., September 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kathleen (Sunfire) (Paperback)

I read this book when it was first published in 1985. I seem to recall that my mother bought it for me when I cleaned up my room! The Sunfire series is excellent. This book, Kathleen by Candice F. Ransom, is rich in history and very informative about the Irish working class in America in the late 1840's. Kathleen is a heroine who had to overcome great odds to come to America, only to find life just as hard. I recommend this book to any young girl who is interested in a time gone by. I have saved all 32 Sunfires books published for my own two little girls.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Sunfire book!, March 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Kathleen (Sunfire) (Paperback)

It's 1847, and 16-year-old Kathleen O'Conner has just arrived in America from Ireland. Her parents died during the long sea voyage, and her younger brother and two younger sisters died in Ireland because of the famine. Kathleen is alone. She has nothing else to do but work so she gets a job as a maid to the wealthy Thornley family. Only she falls in love with the 18 year old son of her wealthy employers, and it could cost Kathleen her job.