Are any of the characters in this book based on Janie's family?

Yes, Addie and Charles Thomas McCarty are Janie's great-great-grandparents.

What kind of research did Janie have to do for this book?

When Janie does her research, she goes to libraries, museums and archival collections all over the world.

Has the lumbering industry changed?

Oh, yes! With the modern technology of today, lumberjack's have a much easier job.