Abstract:
PRAIRIE CROCUS is a coming-of-age story about14-year-old Helen Vacek in rural North Dakota during the 1946-47 school year. Her profane father works her like a hired man, instills no self-confidence, displays no outward love for her. She initially decides not to attend high school. But with the help of schoolmates, Helen confronts difficult farm-to-high school adjustment, and acquires academic momentum. A blizzard experience somewhat softens her father toward her. Helen=s mother divulges a shocking revelation, and Helen makes a surprising decision to guide her future. Helen personifies the prairie crocus in her persistence under adversity and spring renewal.