Have you ever read the Flavia de Luce books? She’s a delightful protagonist, although it’s been a while and I can’t remember if all the books are adolescent-friendly. I believe so, but (obviously) give it a scan first because my memory is 😳😅
No! I've never heard of them! I will look them up!
Have you read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? I almost put it on this list because, although it's not a children's book, Francie is one of my favorite girl characters ever. But that book really is one that parents should not introduce until their girls are ready to encounter a couple of pretty worrisome things (alchoholism and a thwarted sexual attack), so I thought I would chose something else instead for this post.
I haven’t read it! I totally know what you mean, though, about wanting to recommend books-in-context-of-conversation… I’ll definitely check and see if TGIB is available at the library!
It is a book that I have reread every 2-4 years or so since I read it the first time at around 14. I think it is a masterpiece.
One of the most poignant themes for me within it is the mother-daughter relationship; that even though Francie's mother favors Francie's brother, she also singles out and protects Francie in ways that only work with a daughter. I also love the way that her mother insists that Francie gets her coffee, too, even though she doesn't drink it -- so that she can have something to waste! Francie comes, over time, to understand that she has meaning to her mother even though she was her father's favorite and Neely was their mother's.
I also use excerpts from it when I teach my History of American Education course, to show the contrast between the two schools Francie attends!
I love Flavia de Luce! It's possible that the mystery (and murder connections) could be a problem for much younger readers, but she's whip smart and fearless, and I love that about her.
Good morning Dixie:) Lovely topic - Definitely Anne Shirley! I have to admit that as a 12-year old there was noting more inspiring to me than her spirited, intelligent, and dedicated character. As I have mentioned before, she was actually the reason that initially inspired me to move to Canada :) Thanks for the additional suggestions as well (Heidi being among my other favourites!)
Hope all is well with you and that you had a wonderful Easter celebration :)
Anne is such a friend and inspiration to a girl! I also find her character inspiring in the later books, when we see her as a wife and mother.
I decided to highlight Emily here instead of Anne because I think that she is lesser-known, and might be new to more of my readers. She is a different character than Anne, for sure, but has her own charms. She's a little bit more mystical than Anne is. Have you read the Emily books?
Happy Easter to you, too, Ruth! We had a lovely day yesterday -- and of course, we put a book in with the candy in each of the Easter baskets :)
Oh, also, I should add that my husband really appreciated the Anne books when he read them as an adult along with our eldest daughter. He also has come to love Austen...I bet a lot of dads have this experience of coming to value "girl" books as adults, once they are grown out of the scrappy little boy stage!
Books and chocolate are an unbeatable combination:)
I have to admit that I have never read the Emily books (although my daughter has). Yes, reading how Anne matured and became a wife and mother was part of the captivation. I actually can't think of any other book series where this is the case.
I had related my full connection to Anne in one of Joel Miller's posts, and it seems quite surreal that a book character can wield such influence:
"As a young teen loved these stories so much that I developed a passion for Prince Edward Island and Canada. I secretly signed up for an exchange student year so that I could fulfill my dream to live in Canada, and surprisingly my parents agreed to let me go at 16. While I came home after a year, I returned to Canada for my university studies and indeed ended up as a teacher on a wind-swept island (Newfoundland) for several years. When my husband and I moved back to the mainland to be close with family we unknowingly had moved a ten-minute drive from the farmhouse where Anne of Green Gables was filmed and, for a while, attended a church whose nursery looked onto the lake and bridge where Anne and Gilbert got engaged (this discovery was one of my biggest jaw-drop moments in memory!). Thus is seems that Anne has followed me along in my life (I even share L.M. Montgomery's birthday:)"
I remember reading this! Good for you for having the pluck to do the exchange year; living abroad for a year was incredibly formative to me when I was growing up (it was my seventh grade year, in my case, but I was with my family). The "secret" part must have been quite surprise to you parents, but what courage and love they must have had to allow you this adventure!
I have heard people say that Anne "died" as an adult; they don't like that the later books focus more on her children, and see her as a background character. But I love the adult that she became.
I loved Caddie Woodlawn as a girl, as well as the All-of-a-Kind family girls with their different personalities and adventures.
And I so appreciate your point that the tomboy and dreamy romantic are often the same girl on different days! I sure was, and I think that’s something that gets lost in the conversation a lot of the time.
As for Emily of New Moon… I have mixed feelings. I only read it as an adult so I have a feeling that the things that bothered me might have just gone over my head or escaped my notice if I had read them as a child. But the older man (can’t remember his name- the one who isn’t Teddy) who befriends her and then basically waits for her to grow up and then tries to marry her? It made me really uncomfortable. At least, if that happened in real life, I would be worried about it being grooming. The novel certainly doesn’t present it that way! (Which is why I’m not sure I would have noticed it if I had read it when I was young.) But is that because it was a different era, when such things were common? Or because the author didn’t think it problematic? Or just because it’s fiction? I appreciated her dreams of becoming a writer and especially the years when she was forced into the discipline of not writing fiction. But the romance side of things was kind of a turn off for me in these novels.
You make a good point. I think that that trope was not as uncommon in fiction in the early twenty-first century; nor were such marriages as uncommon. I was actually reflecting recently on how, when women didn't earn money, it made financial sense for young women to marry men in their 30's or even 40's, men who already had achieved financial stability. This way they would not struggle in the early years as they might if they married a man their own age. It feels creepy to us, but it made sense, in a way, although I don't like the power imbalance it could also create. So if you read it through that lens, it is just a social or cultural thing of the time, although again, the power imbalance that it creates and the thinking about a young girl as a potential wife later on is a bit uncomfortable.
But yes; I think his name is Dean? I think I always read it as a near miss for her, as her almost choosing an unhappy marriage over one that is suited to her. A "being true to herself" story. So as a kid, it didn't even register with me that he should not have done that -- I was so focused on *her.* Hm, though, you are right; it would not be considered an appropriate relationship today. And he was her cousin, I think, though maybe 2nd cousin?
That makes sense, historically - that marrying a significantly older man would provide much more financial stability for a young woman. I think it was more that he was interested in her when she was still quite young (early teens?) rather than if she had been 20 and he had been 40, and I remember a line about how he was in love with her but needed to wait for her to grow up- that bothered me. But I’m deeply aware of reading with a modern (and in my case, adult) lens. I think had I read it as a girl I too would have been focused on her experiences and choices. It isn’t something that would stop me giving it to a girl nowadays (although I might ask her what she thought of it all, in an open-ended way.)
Do you think Montgomery kind of over-romanticises things in her books? I remember reading a few of them (maybe one about a deaf girl named Erin? And one about children during a golden summer) and even as a girl, maybe aged 12, I thought it was a bit heavy-handed/ saccharine at times. Almost the way Anne Shirley can be! :)
Yes, sometimes. But I think there's a place for that romanticization when you're in a certain place as a girl or as a reader. I do find that there are times when I really want to reread her books and times when I don't.
I wonder if it's possible that Montgomery *meant* Dean to come off as unattractive. She definitely wants the reader to be rooting against him. I agree that he does not treat Emily appropriately, even from a historical point of view...
Have you read "The Blue Castle"? It's a bit different. A young woman learns she does not have long to live and completely changes her life -- she starts sassing back to her dull, controlling relatives, for example. There's a scene in there at a country dance on the wrong side of town that is a bit creepy, etc., and is intended to be so -- I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
That would make sense to me- that she intended the reader to have a sense of unease on Emily’s behalf, because he isn’t a great match for her as a person.
I haven’t read The Blue Castle! I will look out for it.
And you’re right- there were times when I did love her books with all their romanticism. So maybe it’s another case of “same girl, different day”!
As I read this comment I immediately thought of the “Elsie Dinsmore” books which are so problematic on so many levels. I remember being vaguely unsettled as a girl reading them, but that sort of trope and how “good” Elsie was, had some attraction. But honestly between the antebellum setting, the grooming by an older man, the moralistic and very strange theology. Those are a huge “WHY was I allowed to read those??” moment for me. I’m sure the Emily ones are better, but man, some things you remember as an adult hit you way differently.
It's funny how kids will sometimes just ignore something within a book that doesn't make sense to them or seems weird. Must be some sort of protective design in children!
Chiming in here to say I was an Anne and Emily fan as a kid, but I don't remember the older man being in love with her-the attraction of both those books for me was the spunky girl who loved to write. I don't know if knowing this now would keep me from giving it to a kid but would definitely be something I'd want to talk about, so I'm grateful to know it (my kids are adults now, but I still find myself putting books in the hands of kids). It would lead to some really interesting and important conversations. And it begs the bigger question, with voracious readers what do we do with books we haven't read (we can't possibly read them all). We don't know what we don't know, but I do think things often go over their heads, and the very best thing we can do is have a running conversation about what they're reading. The things that bother them, or confuse them, are just as important as the things that made them laugh or get inspired. Thankful for this dialogue!
I completely agree, Meredith -- we do our best to introduce books to our children at appropriate times/ages, but even more important is that we develop a conversational relationship that encourages them to bring thoughts or questions to us when something confuses them or strikes them as not quite right. Casual literary conversation also goes such a long way in helping them develop critical thinking, good listening skills, and the ability to profit from and contribute to classroom discussions when they are studying the humanities formally.
Agreed, and beyond the classroom, it just makes them really interesting people! My daughter is now 27 and started a bookclub with friends recently, some young moms, some newly married, some still single. I delight in sharing picks from my book club with her and vice versa, we are cross-pollinating generations with both contemporary and classic books and it is so rich.
Dixie, I’d love to hear the types of questions you think are good for conversations with kids. Sometimes I feel like my godchildren think I’m either checking up on them morally or checking up on them school book-report style, and that is the last thing I want to do! (They go to regular Catholic schools so I don’t know how used to just relaxed conversations about books they are. It seems like they don’t know *how* to answer open-ended questions, like “what did you think of this scene?” without feeling like it’s a test.)
I KNOW! I was having that same experience with it simultaneously, a few states away from you 😂
I love Charlotte Doyle and I worry that some might dismiss it because she does end up going against these strictures. But she does so for good reasons. I think it's a great book, and one can also read about girls who find their "homes" on other paths!
I loved the Ramona books, mainly because I was a Beezus and my little sister was a Ramona and I liked how Beverly Cleary made me laugh at Ramona. I could laugh at my sister, instead of getting mad at her. Taking me outside myself and my frustration was helpful, and they made my daughter laugh, too. I also loved Little Women, I wanted to be Jo but thought I was Meg and I loved how the sisters loved each other. As an adult, I went back and was really impacted by Marmee and how she mothered her girls so well. And one more girl recommendation, Lucy in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Her heroism and ability to forgive her brother impacted me deeply.
I actually haven't read most of these! I might be adding them to my TBR for some middle grade adventures :) I will say that perhaps my favorite (though maybe the least known?) of the L.M. Montgomery books is "Magic for Marigold". She is such a delightful, spunky girl, and the family dynamics and quirks are hilarious.
Other favorites are definitely "Caddie Woodlawn", "All of a Kind Family"
My gosh, I love your book recommendations! I see gaps in my own reading history and find new things that I haven't even come across before. My poor To Read list grows longer and longer, ha!
I was a tomboy with a hopelessly romantic side, and I have never heard anyone articulate it that way before. So thank for you that. When I was a young teenager I didn't much like books aimed at girls, but I literally hid the ones I did read because I thought I had to protect my misfit/tomboy/tough girl image or would get made fun of for reading "girly" book when I was so obviously was not girly. I sometimes pilfered my older sister's library books and then pretended I hadn't read them, is what I'm saying.
I definitely was both ways as a child, too! But I don't think I thought much about it until I hit late elementary school and encountered bullies. I just was who I was, and I think all girls should be -- while pursuing growth and virtue, of course.
What a great list Dixie! My girls and I just finished From the Mixed up Files and loved it! Always fun to read through the comments too. I am actually half way through A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (my first time reading it!) What a great book! Have you read A Lantern in her Hand? More for teen girls/young adults but follows one of favorite female protagonists from girlhood through death as a pioneer in Nebraska. She is an amazing character- I think you'd love the book!
That book sounds so familiar; I wonder if I read it when I was a teen. I will have to read it again! It sounds very engaging! I am a big Cather fan and many of her stories are set in that same region and time period, of course. It's very compelling.
I am excited for you and "Tree." Maybe we can chat about it sometime!
By the way, Marie, if your girls are ever interested in joining a book club, let me know. We have a great one locally for girls 9/10-14 that's now in its 3rd year.
As usually, that's all going on a note and on the Libby and Library hold lists! Thanks for sharing these treasures!
The girl protagonists around here lately have been Mary Lennox and Dorothy (of Kansas? Does she have a last name?). Mary Lennox was fascinating -- an unlikeable child in the midst of a tragedy really threw the kids for a loop (aren't we supposed to feel bad for her? we do, but we don't really *like* her!). But it was fun for them to see a really distinct "character growth" arc. And we've just started The Wizard of Oz (because my daughter's dance recital is "Oz" themed) -- it's kind of light and fluffy (and, according to Baum's introduction, intentionally so), but Dorothy is showing a lot of pluck and resourcefulness right from the get go -- it'll be interesting to see how we feel about her as the story goes on.
Susan Sowerby -- could be one of Six Great Literary Mothers 😊. I loved her wisdom, and I really appreciated the fact that she had 12 children (the many-ness of them appeared to add to, rather than subtract from, her ability to love children generally)
I'd be all about it! It would be interesting to see what people dug up, too, because so often these youthful protagonists have dead parents -- the living ones have to be extra interesting ;)
Have you ever read the Flavia de Luce books? She’s a delightful protagonist, although it’s been a while and I can’t remember if all the books are adolescent-friendly. I believe so, but (obviously) give it a scan first because my memory is 😳😅
No! I've never heard of them! I will look them up!
Have you read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? I almost put it on this list because, although it's not a children's book, Francie is one of my favorite girl characters ever. But that book really is one that parents should not introduce until their girls are ready to encounter a couple of pretty worrisome things (alchoholism and a thwarted sexual attack), so I thought I would chose something else instead for this post.
I haven’t read it! I totally know what you mean, though, about wanting to recommend books-in-context-of-conversation… I’ll definitely check and see if TGIB is available at the library!
It's one of my very favorite books. Here's Joel Miller's review: https://www.millersbookreview.com/p/betty-smith-tree-grows-in-brooklyn
My 12 year old has read it, but she is a mature reader. I think 12-14 would be a good age for a first read of it, depending on maturity!
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a book I could read every year, I agree there are some mature themes-the writing is so, so beautiful.
It is a book that I have reread every 2-4 years or so since I read it the first time at around 14. I think it is a masterpiece.
One of the most poignant themes for me within it is the mother-daughter relationship; that even though Francie's mother favors Francie's brother, she also singles out and protects Francie in ways that only work with a daughter. I also love the way that her mother insists that Francie gets her coffee, too, even though she doesn't drink it -- so that she can have something to waste! Francie comes, over time, to understand that she has meaning to her mother even though she was her father's favorite and Neely was their mother's.
I also use excerpts from it when I teach my History of American Education course, to show the contrast between the two schools Francie attends!
I love Flavia de Luce! It's possible that the mystery (and murder connections) could be a problem for much younger readers, but she's whip smart and fearless, and I love that about her.
Good morning Dixie:) Lovely topic - Definitely Anne Shirley! I have to admit that as a 12-year old there was noting more inspiring to me than her spirited, intelligent, and dedicated character. As I have mentioned before, she was actually the reason that initially inspired me to move to Canada :) Thanks for the additional suggestions as well (Heidi being among my other favourites!)
Hope all is well with you and that you had a wonderful Easter celebration :)
Anne is such a friend and inspiration to a girl! I also find her character inspiring in the later books, when we see her as a wife and mother.
I decided to highlight Emily here instead of Anne because I think that she is lesser-known, and might be new to more of my readers. She is a different character than Anne, for sure, but has her own charms. She's a little bit more mystical than Anne is. Have you read the Emily books?
Happy Easter to you, too, Ruth! We had a lovely day yesterday -- and of course, we put a book in with the candy in each of the Easter baskets :)
Oh, also, I should add that my husband really appreciated the Anne books when he read them as an adult along with our eldest daughter. He also has come to love Austen...I bet a lot of dads have this experience of coming to value "girl" books as adults, once they are grown out of the scrappy little boy stage!
Books and chocolate are an unbeatable combination:)
I have to admit that I have never read the Emily books (although my daughter has). Yes, reading how Anne matured and became a wife and mother was part of the captivation. I actually can't think of any other book series where this is the case.
I had related my full connection to Anne in one of Joel Miller's posts, and it seems quite surreal that a book character can wield such influence:
"As a young teen loved these stories so much that I developed a passion for Prince Edward Island and Canada. I secretly signed up for an exchange student year so that I could fulfill my dream to live in Canada, and surprisingly my parents agreed to let me go at 16. While I came home after a year, I returned to Canada for my university studies and indeed ended up as a teacher on a wind-swept island (Newfoundland) for several years. When my husband and I moved back to the mainland to be close with family we unknowingly had moved a ten-minute drive from the farmhouse where Anne of Green Gables was filmed and, for a while, attended a church whose nursery looked onto the lake and bridge where Anne and Gilbert got engaged (this discovery was one of my biggest jaw-drop moments in memory!). Thus is seems that Anne has followed me along in my life (I even share L.M. Montgomery's birthday:)"
I remember reading this! Good for you for having the pluck to do the exchange year; living abroad for a year was incredibly formative to me when I was growing up (it was my seventh grade year, in my case, but I was with my family). The "secret" part must have been quite surprise to you parents, but what courage and love they must have had to allow you this adventure!
I have heard people say that Anne "died" as an adult; they don't like that the later books focus more on her children, and see her as a background character. But I love the adult that she became.
This is a wonderful story and one that shows the power of a good story! How fun to see it all come full circle for you, Ruth!
I love this story, Ruth!!
I loved Caddie Woodlawn as a girl, as well as the All-of-a-Kind family girls with their different personalities and adventures.
And I so appreciate your point that the tomboy and dreamy romantic are often the same girl on different days! I sure was, and I think that’s something that gets lost in the conversation a lot of the time.
As for Emily of New Moon… I have mixed feelings. I only read it as an adult so I have a feeling that the things that bothered me might have just gone over my head or escaped my notice if I had read them as a child. But the older man (can’t remember his name- the one who isn’t Teddy) who befriends her and then basically waits for her to grow up and then tries to marry her? It made me really uncomfortable. At least, if that happened in real life, I would be worried about it being grooming. The novel certainly doesn’t present it that way! (Which is why I’m not sure I would have noticed it if I had read it when I was young.) But is that because it was a different era, when such things were common? Or because the author didn’t think it problematic? Or just because it’s fiction? I appreciated her dreams of becoming a writer and especially the years when she was forced into the discipline of not writing fiction. But the romance side of things was kind of a turn off for me in these novels.
You make a good point. I think that that trope was not as uncommon in fiction in the early twenty-first century; nor were such marriages as uncommon. I was actually reflecting recently on how, when women didn't earn money, it made financial sense for young women to marry men in their 30's or even 40's, men who already had achieved financial stability. This way they would not struggle in the early years as they might if they married a man their own age. It feels creepy to us, but it made sense, in a way, although I don't like the power imbalance it could also create. So if you read it through that lens, it is just a social or cultural thing of the time, although again, the power imbalance that it creates and the thinking about a young girl as a potential wife later on is a bit uncomfortable.
But yes; I think his name is Dean? I think I always read it as a near miss for her, as her almost choosing an unhappy marriage over one that is suited to her. A "being true to herself" story. So as a kid, it didn't even register with me that he should not have done that -- I was so focused on *her.* Hm, though, you are right; it would not be considered an appropriate relationship today. And he was her cousin, I think, though maybe 2nd cousin?
That makes sense, historically - that marrying a significantly older man would provide much more financial stability for a young woman. I think it was more that he was interested in her when she was still quite young (early teens?) rather than if she had been 20 and he had been 40, and I remember a line about how he was in love with her but needed to wait for her to grow up- that bothered me. But I’m deeply aware of reading with a modern (and in my case, adult) lens. I think had I read it as a girl I too would have been focused on her experiences and choices. It isn’t something that would stop me giving it to a girl nowadays (although I might ask her what she thought of it all, in an open-ended way.)
Do you think Montgomery kind of over-romanticises things in her books? I remember reading a few of them (maybe one about a deaf girl named Erin? And one about children during a golden summer) and even as a girl, maybe aged 12, I thought it was a bit heavy-handed/ saccharine at times. Almost the way Anne Shirley can be! :)
Yes, sometimes. But I think there's a place for that romanticization when you're in a certain place as a girl or as a reader. I do find that there are times when I really want to reread her books and times when I don't.
I wonder if it's possible that Montgomery *meant* Dean to come off as unattractive. She definitely wants the reader to be rooting against him. I agree that he does not treat Emily appropriately, even from a historical point of view...
Have you read "The Blue Castle"? It's a bit different. A young woman learns she does not have long to live and completely changes her life -- she starts sassing back to her dull, controlling relatives, for example. There's a scene in there at a country dance on the wrong side of town that is a bit creepy, etc., and is intended to be so -- I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.
That would make sense to me- that she intended the reader to have a sense of unease on Emily’s behalf, because he isn’t a great match for her as a person.
I haven’t read The Blue Castle! I will look out for it.
And you’re right- there were times when I did love her books with all their romanticism. So maybe it’s another case of “same girl, different day”!
As I read this comment I immediately thought of the “Elsie Dinsmore” books which are so problematic on so many levels. I remember being vaguely unsettled as a girl reading them, but that sort of trope and how “good” Elsie was, had some attraction. But honestly between the antebellum setting, the grooming by an older man, the moralistic and very strange theology. Those are a huge “WHY was I allowed to read those??” moment for me. I’m sure the Emily ones are better, but man, some things you remember as an adult hit you way differently.
It's funny how kids will sometimes just ignore something within a book that doesn't make sense to them or seems weird. Must be some sort of protective design in children!
Chiming in here to say I was an Anne and Emily fan as a kid, but I don't remember the older man being in love with her-the attraction of both those books for me was the spunky girl who loved to write. I don't know if knowing this now would keep me from giving it to a kid but would definitely be something I'd want to talk about, so I'm grateful to know it (my kids are adults now, but I still find myself putting books in the hands of kids). It would lead to some really interesting and important conversations. And it begs the bigger question, with voracious readers what do we do with books we haven't read (we can't possibly read them all). We don't know what we don't know, but I do think things often go over their heads, and the very best thing we can do is have a running conversation about what they're reading. The things that bother them, or confuse them, are just as important as the things that made them laugh or get inspired. Thankful for this dialogue!
I completely agree, Meredith -- we do our best to introduce books to our children at appropriate times/ages, but even more important is that we develop a conversational relationship that encourages them to bring thoughts or questions to us when something confuses them or strikes them as not quite right. Casual literary conversation also goes such a long way in helping them develop critical thinking, good listening skills, and the ability to profit from and contribute to classroom discussions when they are studying the humanities formally.
Agreed, and beyond the classroom, it just makes them really interesting people! My daughter is now 27 and started a bookclub with friends recently, some young moms, some newly married, some still single. I delight in sharing picks from my book club with her and vice versa, we are cross-pollinating generations with both contemporary and classic books and it is so rich.
Dixie, I’d love to hear the types of questions you think are good for conversations with kids. Sometimes I feel like my godchildren think I’m either checking up on them morally or checking up on them school book-report style, and that is the last thing I want to do! (They go to regular Catholic schools so I don’t know how used to just relaxed conversations about books they are. It seems like they don’t know *how* to answer open-ended questions, like “what did you think of this scene?” without feeling like it’s a test.)
Also, yes, I loved both Caddie Woodlawn and the All-of-a-Kind Family books! Great recommendations!
I would've included Caddie, actually, except that I wanted to make sure I didn't weight the list toward tomboys!
Charlotte Doyle made me feel like I should thwart all authority and cultural expectations around being a girl- I loved it 😂
I KNOW! I was having that same experience with it simultaneously, a few states away from you 😂
I love Charlotte Doyle and I worry that some might dismiss it because she does end up going against these strictures. But she does so for good reasons. I think it's a great book, and one can also read about girls who find their "homes" on other paths!
I loved the Ramona books, mainly because I was a Beezus and my little sister was a Ramona and I liked how Beverly Cleary made me laugh at Ramona. I could laugh at my sister, instead of getting mad at her. Taking me outside myself and my frustration was helpful, and they made my daughter laugh, too. I also loved Little Women, I wanted to be Jo but thought I was Meg and I loved how the sisters loved each other. As an adult, I went back and was really impacted by Marmee and how she mothered her girls so well. And one more girl recommendation, Lucy in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Her heroism and ability to forgive her brother impacted me deeply.
I *almost* included Lucy! Lucy the Valiant!
Ramona and Little Women are also such great recommendations! Marmee is indeed such an inspiration.
I actually haven't read most of these! I might be adding them to my TBR for some middle grade adventures :) I will say that perhaps my favorite (though maybe the least known?) of the L.M. Montgomery books is "Magic for Marigold". She is such a delightful, spunky girl, and the family dynamics and quirks are hilarious.
Other favorites are definitely "Caddie Woodlawn", "All of a Kind Family"
I have only read that one once, and that was a long time ago! I should revisit it.
Did you see that Kerri mentioned "Caddie" and "Family" above? It's no wonder you're both my friends!
I love seeing how people whose writing I love are also fans of the same children’s books. It’s like we have the same friends.
Yes! And had similar formation as children :)
My gosh, I love your book recommendations! I see gaps in my own reading history and find new things that I haven't even come across before. My poor To Read list grows longer and longer, ha!
I was a tomboy with a hopelessly romantic side, and I have never heard anyone articulate it that way before. So thank for you that. When I was a young teenager I didn't much like books aimed at girls, but I literally hid the ones I did read because I thought I had to protect my misfit/tomboy/tough girl image or would get made fun of for reading "girly" book when I was so obviously was not girly. I sometimes pilfered my older sister's library books and then pretended I hadn't read them, is what I'm saying.
I definitely was both ways as a child, too! But I don't think I thought much about it until I hit late elementary school and encountered bullies. I just was who I was, and I think all girls should be -- while pursuing growth and virtue, of course.
What a great list Dixie! My girls and I just finished From the Mixed up Files and loved it! Always fun to read through the comments too. I am actually half way through A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (my first time reading it!) What a great book! Have you read A Lantern in her Hand? More for teen girls/young adults but follows one of favorite female protagonists from girlhood through death as a pioneer in Nebraska. She is an amazing character- I think you'd love the book!
That book sounds so familiar; I wonder if I read it when I was a teen. I will have to read it again! It sounds very engaging! I am a big Cather fan and many of her stories are set in that same region and time period, of course. It's very compelling.
I am excited for you and "Tree." Maybe we can chat about it sometime!
By the way, Marie, if your girls are ever interested in joining a book club, let me know. We have a great one locally for girls 9/10-14 that's now in its 3rd year.
Oh you are so kind Dixie! I'll send you an email about this! And yes, would love to chat about the "Tree" when I'm done!
As usually, that's all going on a note and on the Libby and Library hold lists! Thanks for sharing these treasures!
The girl protagonists around here lately have been Mary Lennox and Dorothy (of Kansas? Does she have a last name?). Mary Lennox was fascinating -- an unlikeable child in the midst of a tragedy really threw the kids for a loop (aren't we supposed to feel bad for her? we do, but we don't really *like* her!). But it was fun for them to see a really distinct "character growth" arc. And we've just started The Wizard of Oz (because my daughter's dance recital is "Oz" themed) -- it's kind of light and fluffy (and, according to Baum's introduction, intentionally so), but Dorothy is showing a lot of pluck and resourcefulness right from the get go -- it'll be interesting to see how we feel about her as the story goes on.
Oh my, Mary Lennox, yes. What an intriguing character. And Dorothy!
As an aside, Dickon's mother is a wonderful literary mother; I want to be like her.
Susan Sowerby -- could be one of Six Great Literary Mothers 😊. I loved her wisdom, and I really appreciated the fact that she had 12 children (the many-ness of them appeared to add to, rather than subtract from, her ability to love children generally)
Hm, do I sense a guest post in the making? Maybe I should ask 6 friends to write a blurb each on their favorite literary mother!
I'd be all about it! It would be interesting to see what people dug up, too, because so often these youthful protagonists have dead parents -- the living ones have to be extra interesting ;)