Also by this author: Five Days at the Hotel Adams
Series: American Stories for Gutsy Girls #2
Published by Thomas Nelson on May 26, 2026
Genres: Children's, Children's Educational
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This historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War–era New York City will inspire tweens to dream big, rise above society's limitations, and find their way by being a place for others to belong.
Against her wishes, Florence finds herself at the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City, along with her younger sister, Eva. Believing her Mama will come back for her, Florence perseveres. She finds hope and purpose in newfound friends, in the words of female abolitionists and suffragists, in memories of her father's confidence in her, and in a sunflower patch in the back of the orphanage's garden. But when the Draft Riots occur, the orphanage is destroyed in a fire, leaving Florence to wonder if the dreams of a colored girl are even worth pursuing.
Readers will appreciate Florence's honesty and struggle with doing the right thing as they cheer her on in discovering what she truly wants and in committing to following the challenging road to her dream.
Part of the Own Voices historical series American Stories for Gutsy Girls, this dramatic, heartwarming novel from Kirstie Myvett . . .
Transports children into the past and gives them insight into the life of Northern Blacks during slavery with a compelling story full of mystery, mishaps, and meaning;
Encourages tweens to be a friend in every circumstance and to bring others with them as they succeed;
Shows children that no matter what expectations the world has for them, they can follow their own dreams;
Is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Kekla Magoon, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and Christopher Paul Curtis; and
Includes black-and-white illustrations.
The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace is the second novel in a new historical fiction series for children. These standalone books feature strong female characters from underrepresented racial or cultural backgrounds, and the well-researched stories bring the past to life. The books also include occasional grayscale illustrations. Mothers who grew up reading American Girl and Dear America books will enjoy having something similar to share with their girls.
This story is set in New York City during the Civil War. After the death of their father, Florence and her sister must stay at The Colored Orphan Asylum, while their mother works and continues to care for the baby brother. While the mother tries to get enough money to reunite the family, Florence seethes over her change of circumstances and struggles to adjust to the strict environment in the orphanage. The pain she feels is palpable, and the book includes journal entries from her perspective, along with its third-person account of her daily life.
Novels that cover a long span of time often struggle to find their footing, but this one flows with perfect pacing. Readers follow Florence’s gradual character growth as she adjusts to life at the orphanage, makes friends, and longs to pursue the dream of a college education. The book also touches on the suffragist and abolitionist movements, and there is a mystery story thread related to some events at the orphanage. I greatly enjoyed this layered, complex story, and it reminded me of classic children’s novels that I grew up with. Florence is also a memorable character, with a strong sense of justice and a powerful voice.
The level of historical accuracy is impressive. Author Kristie Myvett describes aspects of the environment and culture in a vivid, memorable way, and it never feels like she transplanted modern characters into a historical setting. People’s experiences, beliefs, and ideas fit with the Civil War era, and I only noted a few minor anachronisms. For example, Florence wouldn’t refer to someone’s “friend group,” but might refer to someone’s “set.” Also, she wouldn’t wonder why she was “in the hot seat,” because that expression originated in the 1920s. Still, these tiny flaws only stood out to me because everything else was pitch-perfect.
Unlike the first book in the Gutsy Girls series, this novel has significant Christian faith content. The author wove multiple faith elements into the story, including Florence’s struggles with why God has let bad things happen to her. Florence even adds God to the list of people she hates, and I appreciated this unusual level of raw honesty. I would have liked more resolution to Florence’s relationship with God, but I appreciated seeing how she matured, grew in her ability to see nuance, and became more gracious.
Parents of sensitive readers should know that this book has some frightening sequences. The story includes the New York City draft riots, and Florence flees from a mob to warn people that rioters are coming to the burn down The Colored Orphan Asylum. Readers who are unfamiliar with the historical background may feel blindsided by this. The story also grapples with dark themes related to grief, feelings of abandonment, racial discrimination, and prejudices against women and African Americans. Some children may have a better experience if a parent reads this book with them.
The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace is a powerful, unforgettable novel. Even though the author wrote this story for tween girls, many adults will enjoy it as well. The story is gripping and emotionally moving, and the author juggled many different events and themes without ever making the book feel overstuffed. I greatly enjoyed this novel, and I have kept thinking about it long after turning the final page. I highly recommend this novel to children and adults who enjoy historical fiction.
