A Pebble and A Pen: revised edition

With a revised ending

In 1853, fifteen-year-old Matty runs away from her mother's proposed marriage to an older man with seven children. Her desire to study Spencerian Script leads Mattie Mr. Spencer's famous penmanship school near Lake Erie. While Mattie navigates many challenges to prove herself to the Master Penman and the classroom of young men, she also meets Phineas, a fellow student who believes in her talents. Despite several setbacks, Mattie earns Mr. Spencer's respect and an offer to continue her education at his new business college in Pittsburgh. While Phineas waits for Mattie in Pittsburgh, a request from her brother compels Mattie to confront her bitter mother and brings a new peace to the young penman's heart. Eventually, Mattie arrives at the business college and finds more than job training.