A father's wounded heart. A mother's patient love. An eager boy, an impetuous girl, and, above all, the healing power of nature. These are the classic ingredients that fill Virginia Sorensen's Newbery Award winning novel with a tender power and lift it to classic status. First published in 1956, MIRACLES ON MAPLE HILL is almost uncanny in its appeal for today's young listeners. For here is the story of a father returned from war in a distant land, wounded in body but even more in spirit, and a family desperate for him to be returned to wholeness--a wholeness they hope can be found on Maple Hill. With language that is tender, precise, evocative, and yet fiercely powerful, Sorensen draws listeners into a year in the family's life, a year filled with small miracles that yield great reward. Lovingly brought to life by the Full Cast Family, this is a recording for the entire family to cherish. Virginia Sorensen (1912-1991) was born in Utah. Her great-grandfather came to that state in covered wagons on Brigham Young's great trek of 1846, and it was stories of that journey that influenced her early novels of the American west. Ms. Sorensen traveled extensively, and all of her books are set in places where she once lived. CAST: David Baker, Daniel Bostick, Bruce Coville, Jo D'Aloisio, Kate Huddleston, Seth Jackson, Victoria King, Willard E. Lape, Jr., Emily Meidenbauer, Carol Spradling, and Lauren Synger SPECIAL FEATURE: The folk song "The Fox" is important to the story. To add to your listening pleasure, we've included a complete rendition of the song, as sung by the actors playing the family members, at the end of this recording.