On the Volcano by James Nelson

On the Volcano by James Nelson takes place in 1855 in the Great Territories.  Sixteen year old Katie and her father have lived an isolated life on the side of a volcano her whole life.  She has only seen one or two people other than her father.  One of those people is traveling nurse, Lorraine.  She comes to stay with the MacDonalds periodically.  On one such occasion, Katie asks her father if she can accompany him on his trip to Badwater for supplies.  He is resistant, knowing Badwater is a dangerous, nearly lawless place, and doesn't want to expose Katie to this.  The girls convince him, though, and they make the three day ride into town, careful to remain invisible so that no one knows about their volcano home.  Unfortunately, Katie's disguise as "George" fails and she winds up getting in trouble with a boy named Jess.  They quickly retreat back to the volcano, but not before arousing suspicion with some of the people in town... including the new sheriff and deputy, Adam (who Katie develops an instant crush on!).  Soon after returning home, Jess shows up intent on finding the gold Katie's dad often exchanges for paper money on his trips to town.  He finds Katie alone and tries to attack her.  Katie's father sees this and kills Jess.  Not knowing what to do, they hide his body in a deep crevice on the side of the volcano.  When Jess doesn't return to town, it causes quite a stir, prompting the sheriff and eventually Jess's father to come searching for him.  Will the MacDonalds ever find peace on their volcano?

This was a great adventure!  I could imagine myself living in a cabin isolated from the rest of the world.  I liked seeing the town of Badwater through Katie's innocent eyes.    I also liked the way the author showed the extreme differences between Katie's father and Jess's father - both of whom loved their children very much.