Pages 1–7: It was June, 1800. Sam and Jenny arrived in
New York. Both Sam and Jenny got work at Jack Crane’s
farm. Jenny started to work in a farmhouse with an Indian
girl called Blue Sky. One day Blue Sky took Jenny to
the Indian village, and after that Jenny became a regular
visitor there.
Pages 8–15: Jenny and Sam were not happy working at
the farm as Jack Crane treated them badly. They started to
dream of having their own farm. One Sunday Sam fell out
with Jack, and he decided to leave the farm. Jenny visited
the Indian village, thinking it would be the last visit. Blue
Sky and Jenny found the Indian Chief ’s son drowning
in the river, and Jenny saved his life. The Chief was so
thankful that he gave Jenny some land. At last Sam and
Jenny can start their own farm – Tinkers Farm.
Background and themes
Late 18th–early 19th century U.S. agriculture: It was
before the revolution in agricultural technology, and
American farmers relied heavily on horses and farm
labour. The life of a worker was not easy; wages were low,
hours long and working condition hazardous.
Indians: These people are the first inhabitants of
American continent. They are also referred to as American
Indians or Native Americans. They comprise hundreds of different tribes.