- through a wild turn of events, two girls & four babies become stranded on an island
- because of their childhood, they are exceptional little housekeepers and “mothers”
- many amusing parts mixed by tolerable mystery
- convo points: a girl preaches a sermon, pipe smoking
- language: x1 darn, savitch*, x1 shucks, wench**
- the adventure ends well
Type: chapter book
Ages: 7-12
Author: Carol Ryrie Brink
*This is how the younger girl says “savage” and it references Friday from Robinson Crusoe. The older reminds her not to use that word.
**This was in reference to a man’s gal he left behind in his home country. It was used in the old sense–simply a girl, possibly a lower-class girl, but he didn’t mean harm.
Though the main girls are 10 and 12 years old, this can definitely be read by younger ages. Plus, even though there is a shipwreck and talk about dying, it’s all kept so matter-of-fact and innocently childlike that it’s quite appropriate.
William Wallace is mentioned a few times, so you might tie this in with a short study on his life! The girls sing a Scottish song that I actually found on YouTube–listen here. You could also read it during Christmastime as there is quite the scene involving this cozy holiday.
The girls are well-trained to keep the Sabbath, maintain memory verses, and evangelize.
Their adventures sometimes involve various animals, including monkeys, which are always entertaining.
Absolutely delightful! This is one of my favorite chapter books for girls. The fact that it’s been in print for so long tells you I’m not the only one! Enjoy. 🙂