My children (9 and 7) and I loved this story. The heroine is a young girl, kidnapped by Vikings, who ends up in the New World. Through her strong character and indomitable will, she earns herself a better life. This is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. I was actually choked up at one point when the brave Hekja was receiving unexpected recognition of her assistance in a battle. This is really good historical fiction. My children asked some really great questions about human motivations in exploring and settling "new" lands, enslavement of conquered people, and how some people remain strong despite their rough treatment at the hands of others.

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