Czech Texas: A Family Mystery Across the Lone Star State

Twelve clues. One family story. A journey through Czech Texas.When cousins Tessa and Ben visit their grandmother's small farm near Marak, Texas, Babi opens an old trunk filled with photographs, letters, recipes, and a mysterious silver pin shaped like linden leaves. The discovery sends the three travelers across Texas in search of the truth about Anna Orsag Vacek-and the family story that nearly disappeared.Their journey leads through Galveston, Cat Spring, Dubina, Praha, La Grange, West, Temple, Ennis, Granger, and other communities shaped by Czech immigrants. Along the way, they explore painted churches, historic newspapers, family records, dance halls, festivals, music, traditional foods, and the people who helped preserve Czech-Texan culture.But every clue must be examined carefully. Which details can be proven? Which are family memories? And which parts of Anna's story may remain a mystery?Created for readers ages 8-12, Czech Texas combines a richly illustrated family adventure with Texas history, Czech language and culture, travel inspiration, and activities for young family-history detectives.Perfect for children with Czech ancestry, families exploring their heritage, Texas-history enthusiasts, teachers, homeschoolers, and anyone who believes an old photograph, recipe, song, or name can open the door to an unforgettable story.Some family stories are inherited. Others are waiting to be found.