The Squatter and the Don, first published in 1885, is a novel describing events in nineteenth century California at the end of the Mexican American War. The author, Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton, is considered the first Mexican American woman to write a novel in English. The novel chronicles the struggle of a Mexican rancher and the Americans who are legally taking his land under the tenants of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, based on events in Ruiz de Burton’s life.

The Core Classics® series presents stories loved for generations in abridged versions for young readers, illustrated and annotated, and faithful to the style, plot, and themes of the originals.