- a young Quaker girl begrudges her family’s rules about living simply and separated from the common culture
- based on true stories
- after repeatedly transgressing with consequences, an experience finally awakens her to what her simple clothes represent
- convo: Quaker theology, a mild and brief bullying scene, a woman preacher is mentioned, mentions a runaway slave woman might be killed if caught
Type: very long picture book
Ages: 5+ (listening), 8+ (reading)
Author: Marguerite de Angeli
Although Quaker theology isn’t fully biblical and there are certainly legalistic issues with their lifestyle, the overall message of the book is still worth the read. Besides seeing life from their viewpoint (which can be helpful), it encourages:
- families working together
- gracious hospitality
- love for the needy (in particular, helping slaves escape)
- obedience and trusting in a parent’s wisdom
Additionally, it opens a wide window to this part of our country’s history in a safe way. It is written from a child’s perspective, so readers see things through innocent young eyes.
For almost all families, it would likely need to be read in multiple sittings. There are “breaks” in the story as if chapter breaks, but no official separations. It’s almost 100 pages with several of those being text only. Just a heads up when you’re planning on reading it!
For some reason, they refer to the devil as “Old Spotty,” and he is mentioned occasionally throughout the book–usually after a transgression which was proof that Old Spotty had been whispering to the person.
Other religious components include multiple “moments of silence” that replace times when Christians would be praying or singing hymns in worship or listening to a sermon. Their concept of the “inner light” is mentioned once toward the end.
If you’re looking for more historical fiction in U.S. studies (set in Pennsylvania) or Quaker living books, I would recommend this as long as you can facilitate the above discussion points. Happy reading!