Emma Cagle 

Emmaline Cagle is the main character in Cleared for Planting, especially in Part One. The book opens with the family in an old farm wagon pulled by a team of poor mules on their way to the North Carolina mountains to live with her father's brother, whose wife and son have died. Emma is fourteen; her older sister, Francine (Francie) is sixteen; and the youngest, Christine (Christie) is ten.

Their father has had a drinking problem in the past, but Emma hopes the move will mean he changes, too. At least he hasn't had anything to drink on the journey.

Emma has quite an imagination. Here's a short version of how she sees one scene when they've climbed the first mountain:

(Photo by Amber Speight)

            Emma thought the area at the top of the mountain looked prettier than a painting. The trees stood straight and tall, as if they'd been stationed there to protect her. At least, they kept her from seeing any more of the huge cliff edges and drop-offs. Her spirit took wing. She almost felt as if she could reach up and touch the sky.

          She looked up to see an eagle soaring overhead. Emma could imagine it grow larger, swoop down, scoop her up, and fly her up to have a full view of the whole area. Now that would be something! She’d be like Icarus, except her wings wouldn't melt.

To be continued...

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