Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter is one of those classic children’s books that stays with you long after childhood. Here’s why it’s an all-time favourite for one MyKidsTime mum, and why it might be worth putting in front of your own child.
I have to say, Pollyanna is an all-time favourite book of mine. I read it and re-read it several times as a child, and it’s a story I still think about now.
About Pollyanna
The central character is young orphan Pollyanna Whittier, who, after the death of her parents, is sent to live with her strict Aunt Polly in Vermont.
Pollyanna has been taught by her father to play “The Glad Game,” where you find something to be glad about, no matter what the situation.
So when wealthy Aunt Polly bypasses all the beautiful, unused bedrooms and gives her niece a plain attic room with no pictures or carpets, Pollyanna simply thanks her aunt for the beautiful view from her attic window.
Pollyanna visits some of the most cantankerous townspeople and soon has them playing the game with her too. She brings happiness and warmth to her aunt’s household, although Aunt Polly takes far longer than most to come round to her.
Aunt Polly finally realises how much her niece means to her when Pollyanna is hit by a car. Overhearing the doctor tell her aunt she may never walk again, Pollyanna becomes downhearted and, for the first time, can find nothing to be glad about.
Slowly, the townspeople begin calling to Aunt Polly’s house to ask after the injured girl and to let her know how much they miss her around the town. Bit by bit, Pollyanna’s spirit returns and she plays the game again.
The book ends happily, with Aunt Polly marrying her former beau and Pollyanna being sent to a hospital where specialists help her learn to walk again.
You might also enjoy reading Charlotte’s Web
The Verdict
It’s a great book with a strong female character — two, if you count Aunt Polly.
There’s also a good sequel, Pollyanna Grows Up, if you want to keep reading and find out more about this irrepressible character.
You might also enjoy reading 20 Brilliant Books to Celebrate Bold Girls
Over to you now — did you enjoy reading Pollyanna as a child? Has your own child read it? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pollyanna about?
Pollyanna is the story of a young orphan who goes to live with her strict Aunt Polly and gradually wins over the whole town by playing “The Glad Game” — finding something to be glad about in every situation, even the hardest ones.
Is there a sequel to Pollyanna?
Yes. Eleanor H. Porter wrote a sequel called Pollyanna Grows Up, which continues the story of Pollyanna as she gets older.
Why is “The Glad Game” so important to the story?
The Glad Game is at the heart of Pollyanna’s character and the book’s message. It’s the habit of looking for something positive in a difficult situation, and it’s what allows Pollyanna to change the outlook of everyone around her — until, briefly, she loses her own ability to play it after her accident.
Is Pollyanna a good book to read with children?
It works well both as a family read-aloud and as an independent read for a confident younger reader, thanks to its warm tone and hopeful message. As with any classic, it’s worth having a quick look through yourself first to see if the style and themes suit your own child.
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- Charlotte’s Web: A Classic Book Review
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- More Classic Children’s Books Worth Revisiting
Save This for Later
Not ready to start reading tonight? Save this review and come back to it next time you’re choosing your child’s next book.
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