Just David by Eleanor H. Porter Book Review

 Just David by Eleanor H. Porter

   From the author who wrote Pollyanna, another beautiful classic. I absolutely loved Just David! 
   Ten year old David has never known his last name or his father's name. As far back as he can remember, he has lived on the mountain in the house with his father and spent his days enjoying nature. So when his father takes him down the mountain on a journey, gives him money, and dies in a stranger's barn in the middle of the night, David is left in the care of the people of the strange town where his father died. He is taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Holly, who are hardworking, no-nonsense people.
   The whole town is astounded with the boy- the boy who doesn't know at all what money or death or hard work is, who knows Latin and French, who can identify every plant and animal in the forest, who is the best violinist they have ever heard, and plays what the world looks like to him. 
   His unheard-of ways, his talent, his determination and ability to see good in every single thing when a normal person could see none, and the mystery behind who his father is, makes him a misfit with the boys his age in the village. Despite all this, with time, his music and his kind heart touch the hardened hearts of the town. 
   I read The Good and the Beautiful version, which is completely clean, but I'm sure the normal version is as well. I thought it would be boring but it was a sweet story and super engaging. Anyone can read it, but it is probably geared toward ten or eleven year olds. Five stars from me! 
   -Grace

Book Review: Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

We have a new, beloved addition to our homeschool. It's called a radio. No. I'm actually serious. We bought a little portable radio/cd player/cassette player, and the kids are loving it. We've haven't had it long, and already we have listened to several books on tape. We just finished listening to...


Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter
Review by me, Emily

Are you familiar with this classic?

Pollyanna's life isn't always easy, but she looks for the good in everything anyway. It all started when she received a pair of crutches instead of a doll. Her father said she should be glad not to need them. Thus began the glad game.

When Pollyanna goes to live with her cross, old relative, Aunt Polly, she meets many unexpected friends. Always finding things to be glad about, Pollyanna is able to help many people in the town see their lives in a new light. She teaches them the glad game and is able to spread joy throughout the community.

However, when Pollyanna finds herself in the midst of a difficult trial of her own, she begins to question whether there really is anything to be glad about.

As we listened to the story, we grew to love Pollyanna for her cheerfulness and felt inspired to play the 'game' ourselves.

Pollyanna is a great classic for the whole family.