Pollyanna

Pollyanna’s father and mother were poor missionaries, and when they died she was sent to her Aunt Polly who is not poor, and not very nice – she’s the sort who thinks children shouldn’t be seen or heard. So how is Pollyanna going to win over her crusty aunty? With her sunny disposition of course!

Before he died, Pollyanna’s father taught her the “glad game” where the pair would search out the silver lining for their troubles. So when Pollyanna was hoping a doll might come with the latest mission barrel, and all it had was a pair of crutches, she was glad that at least she didn’t need them. When Pollyanna brings the glad game to her new town she manages to charm even the grumpiest of residents… including her aunt.

While this is a 100-year-old story, it is still a readable treat. Do buy a copy with a modern cover, to help your daughter want to pick it up. Or read it to your children yourself – you’ll benefit as much as them, learning how to see things like Pollyanna does.

There is one shocking/sad moment that could cause young listeners some distress – Pollyanna gets hurt quite badly. I peeked ahead and made sure that the chapter with the accident was the first one I read that night, and then I kept on reading the next couple chapters so we could finish on a happier note. That helped my audience work through this tense section. Recommended for readers in Grade Two and up.