When I first held the book, and saw how small it was I thought I was getting a "Learning How Read" book, because it only had ten chapters. Even though the story has a happy ending, the sadness of The Trail of Tears Lingers. Mary's Grandfather is shot! Tsalli dies of a mysterious illness! This is the saddest and most impactful book I have ever read! I in fact was not convinced da the happy ending, and asked Andrea L. Rogers who had followed me on Twitter " What happens to Mary and her family after the Trail of Tears? Something like that would cause PTSD, anxiety, Depression etc. Will te Mary and her family be OK?" she replied "Mary grew into a very strong woman who lived a long life." After that answer I am free to imagine Mary doing whatever she wanted in life!