She earned a Newbery Medal in 1980 for her book A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl’s Journal, 1830–32 (1979). Blos began publishing historical fiction for middle-school children in the late 1970s. Father seemed not lost in thought, as is often his manner, and he added many witty remarks and with Matty upon his lap as the evening drew to a close, he held the party's eye.(1928–2017). Catherine's new collar received good admiration, and Matty hiked up her gown and skirts to show her boots.

Also the jet buttons were used on Cassie's Sabbath day best, and it made it look new. While Aunt Lucy wore her dark green silk, the one she wore the day she had came.

Cassie's mother wore her old dress but had brightened it with the lace at the cuff from Aunt Lucy's supply. Aunt Lucy - everyone is to call her that, same as the Shipman children - laughed and chatted with everyone, of a merry crowd, the happiest. Uncle Jack had them all laughing pretending that he couldn't decide which of these sweet cakes he liked best, and kept tasting each repeatedly 'to know where to place on my approval.' Willie fell asleep, and was carried off to bed with his stockings on. There were also pudding, Yankee Cake, and gingerbread. There was a huge feast at the Shipmans, with food until they couldn't eat anymore, and divers pies plentiful. Cassie and Catherine fell on the Books and pretended to cloaks and gowns of the latest fashion. Trims of lace and braid were there too, and a set of real jet buttons. She had shown Catherine and Cassie the gifts she brought - lengths of sattinett and cassimere, and several of Godey's Lady's Books that Cassie's mother may sew a best dress int he style of her choosing. Cassie and Catherine were allowed to await her actual arrival, so Catherine saw large trunks she brought, each of them capacious. The Shipman's yard was an odd sight, so stylish a figure waving and chatting from the wagon seat, and all by flaring torches to ward off the midnight dark. She left Boston at three in the morning, having traveled from Salem. Shipman met her and fetched her belongings.

It was nearly midnight when the coach reached the bridge, where her arrival was being expected.

Shimpan's sister arrived last night, very late, but in good spirit despite her long journey.

A gathering of days by joan w blos