Perspective

by Jennifer Bohnhoff

When her mother dies of lung cancer in the middle of the Great Depression, twelve-year old, artistic Genevieve Williams is shipped off to a father she has never met. She lands on a remote island in the middle of Lake Superior, where she finds herself dealing with isolation, and a lifestyle that is a hundred years behind the times. Just as she unravels the mystery of her parents' broken relationship, and learns to love the island's rustic beauty, the government threatens to take it all away. Can Genevieve find a way to protect her gentle, but flawed father without giving up her dreams to become an artist?

245 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Bohnhoff is the author of a trilogy of middle grade novels set in New Mexico during the Civil War, a YA novel about a girl who suffers through a wildfire that destroys her home, several stand-alone middle grade historical novels, a duel narrative YA novel that examines the Beowulf story in both a contemporary and paleolithic setting, a series of funny contemporary middle grade novels and an adult novel set on a ranch in Southern New Mexico during WWI.

A former middle school social studies teacher, she loves travel and history.

Mrs. Bohnhoff is the mother of three handsome men, the mother-in-law of three beautiful daughters and the grandmother of three very smart granddaughters and a grandson. She lives in the mountains of central New Mexico with her husband, and a tank of a Rottweiler named Panzer.

Mrs. Bohnhoff is available to present on writing and history both online and in person.

Reviews

[Mike S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Bohnhoff read, but it won’t be my last. Wow! This story follows Genevieve, a 12 year old girl living in the early 1930s, as she learns about her new home on the remote Isle Royale. The narrative scores by being written in the present tense, allowing readers to feel like they’re learning along with Genevieve about the time period and setting. We don’t get many Depression-era stories nowadays, and the very unique location of this one allows even Depression-enthusiasts to learn something new. I found it especially interesting that the author tackled the topic of alcoholism during Prohibition, which is something I knew nothing about.

[Celia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perspective by Jennifer Bohnhoff allows us to see a unique way of life that has challenges, questions, and love all tied up in the perspective of a young girl. Genevieve Williams must find her own way of solving various problems that she had never dreamed of or ever experienced before. Her courage and sense of adventure take her down numerous paths, but as she adapts to her new life, she embraces her new world and thrives. You can't help but cheer her on as she discovers joy and wonder in her new world.

[S.J. Barratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and beautifully crafted coming-of-age story. Genevieve’s journey through grief, isolation, and self-discovery on a remote Lake Superior island is both heartwarming and inspiring. The historical setting is vivid, and her struggles and triumphs as an aspiring artist feel authentic. Highly recommended for readers who love historical fiction and stories of resilience.