Fourteen-year-old Abigail Parker, traveling west in 1850, has a touch of "gold fever". A spirited rebel, Abby dreams of buying her own land and hopes to find her father, missing in California. Caught up in the danger and adventure of the journey, Abby befriends Matthew Reed, a mysterious young man who travels with a secret of his own. In the end, these two young people brave the wilderness alone in their struggle to save their loved ones from starvation.

Honors for West Against the Wind include the Jefferson Cup Award Honor Book, Dorothy Canfield List and Iowa Teen Award list. For ages 10 and up.