Subject
Aunts -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Pollyanna
"Pollyanna" by Eleanor H. Porter is a novel published in 1913. When eleven-year-old orphan Pollyanna arrives to live with her stern Aunt Polly in a small Vermont town, she brings with her "The Glad Game"—finding something positive in every situation, no matter how difficult. Her infectious optimism begins transforming the lives of the town's most troubled inhabitants. But when tragedy strikes, even Pollyanna's unwavering cheerfulness faces its greatest test.
L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery
Emily of New Moon
"Emily of New Moon" by L. M. Montgomery is a novel published in 1923. When young Emily Starr loses her father to tuberculosis, she's sent to live with her stern aunts at New Moon Farm on Prince Edward Island. There she discovers her gift for writing and forms deep friendships with three other talented children. But Emily must navigate family tensions, misunderstandings, and the challenge of pursuing her passion when those around her don't always understand her dreams.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Emerald City of Oz
"The Emerald City of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1910. Dorothy Gale brings her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live permanently in Oz, escaping financial ruin on their Kansas farm. While they tour the magical land, the vengeful Nome King assembles a fearsome alliance to invade Oz and reclaim his stolen Magic Belt. This sixth Oz book weaves together two parallel stories—one of wonder and discovery, the other of impending danger—as Dorothy's peaceful new life faces its greatest threat.
Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
"Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" by Kate Douglas Wiggin is a children's novel published in 1903. The story follows Rebecca Rowena Randall, a spirited and imaginative young girl sent to live with her two aunts in rural Maine. While one aunt is stern and critical, the other offers protection and kindness. Rebecca's joy for life brightens those around her, but she must navigate trials and meet rigid expectations as she grows into a talented young woman with dreams of her own.
Susan Coolidge
What Katy Did
"What Katy Did" by Susan Coolidge is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the spirited and imaginative Katy Carr, the eldest daughter in the Carr family, who is tasked with caring for her younger siblings while navigating the challenges of childhood, responsibility, and growing up without their mother. The novel explores themes of familial love, personal growth, and the importance of resilience. At the start of the story, Katy Carr is introduced in her idyllic childhood home with her five siblings and their kind father, Dr. Carr. Katy is portrayed as an adventurous girl with grand dreams, often getting into mischief while trying to balance her playful nature and the expectations placed upon her by Aunt Izzie, who helps raise the children. The opening highlights Katy's interactions with her siblings and sets the stage for her character development as she learns to embrace both the joys and trials of family life while embarking on a journey of self-discovery and responsibility. This exploration of childhood, along with vivid descriptions of their playful escapades and the bond among siblings, draws readers into a charming and relatable world.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
The Emerald City of Oz
"The Emerald City of Oz" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1910. Dorothy Gale brings her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry to live permanently in Oz after financial ruin threatens their Kansas farm. While Dorothy tours her relatives through the magical land, the vengeful Nome King assembles a fearsome alliance to invade Oz and reclaim his stolen magic belt. This double-plot adventure explores the utopian society of Oz while building toward a climactic confrontation that will determine the land's future.
Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
New Chronicles of Rebecca
"New Chronicles of Rebecca" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a novel written during the early 20th century. It continues the charming adventures of its titular character, Rebecca Randall, a lively and imaginative girl who navigates the challenges of growing up within the constraints of her aunts’ home in Riverboro, Maine. The story features her spirited personality as she explores her love for poetry and creative expression while grappling with the realities of life, such as understanding death, friendship, and moral duties. The beginning of "New Chronicles of Rebecca" introduces readers to Rebecca as she works in the lovely garden of her strict Aunt Miranda while letting her imagination run wild with poetic thoughts. Amidst her chores, she contemplates the beauty of nature and the challenges of writing, which she always wants to perfect. The narrative captures her longing for freedom and adventure, alongside her youthful innocence and curiosity. As the story unfolds, a significant event disrupts the tranquility of Riverboro: the death of a woman leads Rebecca to reflect on themes of life and loss, revealing her sensitive nature and desire to make a difference for others, particularly for a small orphaned child.
Faith Bickford
Daddy Joe's fiddle
"Daddy Joe's Fiddle" by Faith Bickford is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. This heartwarming story centers around a young girl named Chee, who cherishes the memories of her father, Daddy Joe, and his beloved violin. The narrative explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the struggle between cultural identities as Chee navigates her life as a child of mixed heritage—part Native American and part European descent—while also dealing with the harshness of her Aunt Mean's strict upbringing. The plot unfolds as Chee discovers Daddy Joe’s old fiddle hidden away and dreams of making music like he once did. Despite her aunt's disapproval of playing the fiddle, Chee's passion for music grows, leading her to seek guidance from the local minister and his wife. As she learns to play, she enchants the townspeople with her talent. Ultimately, Chee not only finds her voice but also brings her family and community together through her music, culminating in a poignant concert that transforms their perceptions and heals old wounds, especially Aunt Mean's long-held grudges. Throughout the journey, Chee's love for Daddy Joe’s fiddle symbolizes her connection to her heritage and the power of music to transcend barriers.
Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter
Pollyanna Grows Up
"Pollyanna Grows Up" by Eleanor H. Porter is a children's novel published in 1915. The only official sequel written by Porter herself, it follows Pollyanna as she travels to Boston to bring happiness to the unhappy Mrs. Carew, who mourns her lost nephew. Through her optimism, Pollyanna transforms lives and makes unexpected connections. Eight years later, now twenty, Pollyanna faces new challenges when hard times force her family to take in boarders, leading to surprising reunions and romantic revelations.
Henry Clarke
Miss Merivale's Mistake
"Miss Merivale's Mistake" by Mrs. Henry Clarke is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around Miss Merivale, a kind-hearted but somewhat anxious woman, and her relationships with two young girls, Pauline and Rose. The narrative dives deep into themes of social class, personal identity, and familial bonds, particularly as Miss Merivale grapples with the discovery of a potential niece named Rhoda Sampson, touching upon her complex past and the implications of unrecognized relationships. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Miss Merivale, who is having a moment of contemplative solitude while listening to her companions, Rose and Pauline Smythe, chat animatedly about a new acquaintance, Rhoda Sampson. Miss Merivale's attention is piqued when the name Rhoda is mentioned, unveiling her deep-seated concerns about family connections, as she reflects on her ties to Rhoda through her sister Lydia. As the chapter unfolds, we see the dynamics of the relationships around Miss Merivale, including Pauline's dismissive attitude toward Rhoda, which creates tension and suspense regarding the nature of Rhoda's character and her significance in the story. The opening establishes a vivid backdrop of interpersonal dialogue, revealing ambitions, insecurities, and hopes that seem to foreshadow the central conflicts that will unfold throughout the novel.
Cecilia Selby Lowndes
Lena Graham
"Lena Graham" by Cecilia Selby Lowndes is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around a young girl named Lena Graham, who is preparing for the arrival of her parents after several years of being raised by her Aunt Mary. As Lena navigates her emotions about meeting her family, the narrative explores themes of childhood, familial love, and the challenges of adjusting to new relationships. The beginning of the story introduces Lena as she expresses her excitement and curiosity about her long-absent parents, reflecting on her time with her aunt. Through conversations with Aunt Mary, readers glimpse Lena's affectionate and sometimes possessive nature, especially concerning her new sisters, Millicent and Lucy. As the day of her family’s arrival approaches, Lena's vibrant personality and the anticipation for their reunion set the stage for a journey of growth and understanding, which unfolds as the narrative continues.
James Otis
Jack the Hunchback: A Story of Adventure on the Coast of Maine
"Jack the Hunchback: A Story of Adventure on the Coast of Maine" by James Otis is a children's novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young hunchback named Jack Dudley, who becomes embroiled in a series of adventures after he and a baby, Louis, escape a catastrophic incident at sea. With themes of friendship, resilience, and loyalty, Jack’s journey emphasizes his determination to care for Louis while navigating the challenges that arise from his appearance and social status. The opening of the book presents an intriguing scenario where Jack and the baby are found adrift in a lifeboat off the coast of Maine after a ship explosion. Farmer Pratt and his son Tom discover them on the beach. While Farmer Pratt initially contemplates taking them to the poorhouse, Jack's quick thinking and bravery lead him to escape from that fate. The introduction sets the stage for Jack's adventures, highlighting his strong sense of responsibility for little Louis and establishing the conflict with Farmer Pratt, who is determined to return them to a life devoid of freedom. As Jack seeks shelter with Aunt Nancy, they develop a bond, but the ongoing threat from Farmer Pratt looms over them, creating tension and interest in their uncertain future.
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