I do not recall many details about the story, however I do remember that there was a girl who was traveling (with her family maybe?) for quite a long time through space to find a new home. I believe there were multiple families aboard the spacecraft and, as I recall, their journey took several generations.
My most vivid memory of the book was when they arrived at what they thought was a suitable planet. They were looking for somewhere to settle and recolonize. The girl had on protective gear (including heavy "space boots") when she stepped out onto what appeared to be purple grass; the grass crunched under her feet like it was made of glass. She wore a helmet at first, but then realized that the atmosphere was suitable for humans). I seem to remember that she walked down the ship's plank alone, and may have even been the first to set foot on the planet. She started exploring the planet (again, I feel like she may have done this alone, but I really am not 100% sure) and eventually came across a strange village (although my memory of the explorations, finding the village, and everything after are unfortunately too hazy). I do remember, though, that when they initially found the planet, one of the factors that led them to determine that it might be a suitable planet is that they thought it was uninhabited.
I read this book in the early '90s in middle school - I believe it was required reading. I can't remember anything about the cover or binding. However, I do believe it was not a newly published work at that time. To my young adolescent brain, it felt like a "classic".
I have been looking for quite some time to no avail. I have asked a number of friends who are librarians and/or teachers, but no one seems to know the book.
I did see a similar question on here asking about a story with purple grass, and green/red skies & rivers. What is described does sound promising. However, I was unable to definitively locate my mystery story in the stories suggested in this previous question's answer.
Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks so much!
UPDATE: A few more possible details... I mentioned a "strange" village. I believe she thought it was strange by the way the houses looked. They were almost like large honey-colored pods. All in a row on either side of a dirt road/path. She did not see anyone at first in the village, so hesitantly began looking around. She eventually stumbled upon someone; I believe it may have been a native boy about her age. Although I cannot be certain, I believe he began to help her in some way, while keeping her existence secret from the others in his village -- I do not know how long, if at all, this secrecy lasted, or what he was "helping" her with. Like I mentioned before, my recollection of this is all very hazy.
