Genealogy has consumed a lot of my time, especially in recent years. In my quest to share what I’ve learned, I’ve been writing books. I’ve completed books on several families and, over time, will complete more. The following is a summary of my body of work with links to more information including how to buy copies.

– Denise

Family History Books

The Aldahl Family

The Aschbrenner Family

The Christianson Family

The Estes Family

The Fawcett Family

The Krueger Family

The McCall Family – An American Family Since 1776: From Southern Roots to Modern Branches

The McCall Family – – An American Family Since 1776: From Southern Roots to Modern Branches traces the history of the McCall family from their arrival in America during the Revolutionary era through generations who lived, worked, and raised families across the American South and beyond.

Drawing on census records, land and probate documents, military service files, local histories, and other primary sources, this volume brings together biographical sketches, family connections, and historical context to present a fuller picture of their lives. From Franklin County, Virginia, to Burke County, North Carolina, and Callaway County, Missouri, the story follows the family’s migration, settlement, and growth across changing landscapes and generations.

As descendants moved westward and outward, the McCall family became part of the broader American story — shaped by southern roots, frontier expansion, war, hardship, and opportunity. Thousands of descendants are identified, documented, and connected within these pages, creating both a narrative family history and a carefully organized genealogical reference.

Designed for descendants, genealogists, local historians, and libraries, this work preserves names, relationships, and historical context for present and future generations. It stands as both a readable family narrative and a substantial reference volume — a lasting record of the McCall family story.

The Meyer Family

The Miller Family

The Phillips Family

The Stemson Family

The Woods Family

Special Topics

The Big Survey – 7,056 Arpents of Land in Missouri

A piece of land. A century of conflict. Lives forever changed.

In the heart of Callaway County, Missouri, a tract known as The Big Survey quietly shaped the fate of generations. Settlers built homes, raised families, and worked the land, never realizing they stood on uncertain ground.

Then the rightful owners appeared.

What followed were years of legal battles, forced removals, and lives turned upside down. Through the intertwined stories of the McCall, Estes, and Linville families, Denise Rae Krueger brings this forgotten history to life. From Spanish land grants and early American expansion to courtroom struggles that reached the highest levels, The Big Survey reveals how one piece of land shaped the lives of those who depended on it.

Blending land history, legal conflict, and family stories, this book offers a powerful look at how the past shaped real lives in Missouri and how its effects were felt for generations.

This is not just a history of land. It is the story of the people who depended on it and what happened when they lost it.

Children’s Books

Bang! And Coralee’s Broken Arm

Coralee is almost ten—smart, curious, and always ready for fun. When her parents leave for their first-ever vacation, she promises to be good. But at her little one-room schoolhouse, things don’t always go as planned.

During a lively game of Bang!, Coralee comes up with a clever plan to help her classmates. It all seems like fun—until a loud bang leads to a fall, a sore arm, and a surprise no one saw coming.

Based on a true story from the Phillips family, Bang! And Coralee’s Broken Arm is a warm, gently humorous tale about childhood independence, old-fashioned school days, and the moments when grown-ups don’t always get it right.

Camping with Raccoons

Camping is always an adventure… especially when raccoons are around!

This heartwarming collection of true stories follows the Christianson family’s hilarious and unforgettable camping adventures. From donut-stealing raccoons to clever cooler-raiders, these stories capture the fun (and chaos!) of camping in the 1970s and beyond.

The Little Driller

When Bennett Christianson and his son Merlin hear a strange scratching sound inside the granary, they suspect mice. But what they discover outside is something entirely unexpected—a curious four-year-old named David with a hand auger… and a whole lot of spilled grain!

Based on a true family story, The Little Driller is a heartwarming and humorous tale of childhood mischief, discovery, and the kind of memories that live on for decades. With soft, detailed illustrations and gentle storytelling, this book captures the magic of Christianson farm life, the bonds between generations, and the wonder of finding out that a long-forgotten mystery was your doing all along. Perfect for young readers, parents, and grandparents to share together.

Margaret and the Missing Pancakes

Margaret worked hard to make pancakes for everyone… but where did they all go?

Based on a true family story from the Aldahl family, Margaret and the Missing Pancakes is a warm and funny tale about life on the busy Stemson farm, hungry boys, and a lesson Margaret never forgot — always eat a pancake first!

Perfect for young readers, this delightful book celebrates hard work, family, and the joys (and surprises!) of a big breakfast.

One Day They Tied Gilbert to a Tree

Step into the long, lazy days of 1940s and 1950s summers in southern Minnesota, where Cullen Park buzzed with the energy of kids playing tag, painting paper flowers, and listening to stories under the trees. Young Donna Rae spent every summer morning there with her best friend Barb—and a whole cast of neighborhood characters. But one day, something unexpected happened that changed how everyone remembered that tree in the middle of the park.

Based on real events and drawn from true Estes family history, One Day They Tied Gilbert to a Tree is a warm, humorous, and sometimes surprising story of childhood mischief, friendship, and resilience. Told through vivid illustrations and a nostalgic voice, this book captures a moment in time when children ran free, parks were their kingdoms, and even a questionable prank could become part of family legend.

Perfect for young readers and their grownups, this story honors the ordinary summer moments that become extraordinary memories—and celebrates the joy of sharing them across generations.

Sauerkraut Surprise

Jim loved just about every dish his family made—except for one: sauerkraut.

Based on a true family story, Sauerkraut Surprise is a humorous and heartfelt tale about tradition, heritage, and unexpected second chances. Jim enjoys homemade bread and even pickled herring, but sauerkraut is the one thing he simply can’t stomach—until one chilly hunting season changes everything.

This charming picture book captures the moment when a single bite changes a mind—and maybe even a heart. With warm illustrations and real-life photos of the family who inspired the story, Sauerkraut Surprise invites young readers to discover that sometimes, our least favorite foods might just surprise us.

Perfect for ages 4–8—and for anyone who’s ever changed their mind about sauerkraut.

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