A Home in the Wilderness

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Gold Metal for Children's Diversity & Multicultural
2nd place Middle Grade Fiction & Young Adult Fiction (2023)
Children's Book Winner (4th qtr); 1st place Children's Juvenile & Pre-Teen Fiction (4th qtr)

Based on a true story. In book two, A Home in the Wilderness, twelve-year-old Etienne and his family try to survive in the 1663 untamed wilderness of Manhattan. They face conflicts with the Esopus tribe, divided loyalties, and danger to family and Lenape friends.

It is June 10, 1663 and Etienne is running through a field of wild pasture, startling a flock of grouse into the air amid a frenzy of feathers and squawking, as he heads toward a double wedding in town. He has no idea that the ceremony will be interrupted with the news of a Native American attack on the Dutch settlement up north, the consequences of which will turn his world upside down threatening his family, community, and Lenape friends. He must choose – protect his new friends or defend his community. Both choices demand great sacrifice and risk the lives of those he loves.

“The author’s historical research is admirably rigorous in her meticulous presentation of the inflammatory hostility that existed between settlers and Native peoples in the mid-17^th century.” – Kirkus Reviews

"Compelling, respectful novel of 17th century Native Americans and Dutch settlers." - BookLife Reviews

“A Home in the Wilderness: A Country for Castoffs by Amanda M. Cetas is book 2 in a series. The author shines with her research and knowledge of late 1600s North America. The details of the scenery, the diverse types of people, and all aspects of their cultures (Dutch, French, Native American, English) are done so impeccably. While some of the book is fiction, the historical parts are well documented, and sources are named for the reader to learn more on the subject if they wish. My excitement increased with each page I read because the amount of action and raw emotions drew me into the story. This book could easily be made into a movie. I enjoyed this book so very much. I have not read the first or third in the series but I will say that this one can stand alone. While a reader can benefit from reading book one and learning about the back history of the characters, it is not necessary to do so to enjoy this story” – Readers’ Favorite Review (2024).

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