Balancing: Poems of the Female Immigrant Experience in the Upper Midwest, 1830-1930 by Kathleen Ernst

The poems in Balancing were inspired by the experiences of women, who, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, sought new homes in the Upper Midwest. The first waves of pioneers, predominantly Yankees from Northeastern states, were soon followed by European immigrants. Few women recorded their struggles and satisfactions, but by juxtaposing research and imagination, Kathleen Ernst breathes new life into their forgotten stories.

Bestselling author Kathleen Ernst writes award-winning mysteries and historical fiction and non-fiction for adults and young readers. Over the years her work has earned numerous honors, including an Emmy for educational programming, a LOVEY, and Edgar and Agatha national mystery award nominations.