A Northern Light
Overview & Summary
In 1906, sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey works at a rural New York hotel, torn between her dream of becoming a writer and the expectations of her impoverished farm family, when a young female guest drowns under suspicious circumstances and entrusts Mattie with a bundle of letters before her death. Jennifer Donnelly's novel weaves a real historical murder case into Mattie's own coming-of-age story about ambition and duty.
Available Formats
- Audiobook
- Hardcover
- Kindle
- Paperback
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Who This Book Is For
A great pick for High school students (Grades 9–12) studying History and Humanities. Helps students connect historical events with real human stories and broader perspectives.
Why CE Recommends This Book
An award-winning book chosen for its strong writing and engaging themes. Helps young readers develop critical thinking, expand their worldview, and express clear opinions.



