A Christian Upbringing
Beyond Nancy Drew: A Guide to Girls' Literature
- Home Sunshine, or Bear and Forbear. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, [n.d]. (Juv 823.89 H765S) Mary is the eldest daughter of a widower, and has taken on the roles of housekeeper and mother. When her father remarries, she has trouble relinquishing power to her stepmother. The tensions between the two women provide a commentary on family hierarchies and the questionable merits of remarriage.
- Stretton, Hesba. Jessica's First Prayer. New York: American Tract Society, before 1809. (JUV 823.89 S915J) Jessica is a thin, hungry waif, looking into the window of a city coffeehouse. The proprietor sees her, and invites her in for food, but makes her promise not to come back for at least a week. Over time, he nourishes her and guides her towards the Christian faith.
- de Mewlan, Élisabeth Charlotte Pauline. Cecilia and Annette, or of Indifference and Friendship; with other tales. Boston: A. Tompkins, 1851. (JUV 843.79 G969C) Translated from the French, this early work contains four short stories. In the first of these tales, young Cecilia constantly complains about everything. On a carriage-trip, she has to rescue her mother, and in the process, learns to stop complaining.
- Warner, Susan. The Wide, Wide World. George P. Putnam, 1851. (Jantz # 493; E #5862) This exceptional novel was first published in 1852 and is often acclaimed as America's first bestseller. Its heroine, Ellen Montgomery, is her mother's sole companion, confidante, and spiritual prodigy. Under the pretense of taking her to a climate more favorable to her health, Ellen's father takes her mother away. Her mother's last words to Ellen are "We must endure, but we must not rebel." Ellen moves to live with Mrs. Dunscombe, is forced into marriage, and finds her greatest comfort in Christianity.
- Grahame, Nellie (Annie Ketchem Dunning). The Beginning and the End. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1864. (JUV 813.49 E45) Two girls, one fair and beautiful, the other dark and scarred, meet, relate, and share Christian values.
- Ellen and her Cousins, or Piety at Home. Philadelphia Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1864. (813.49 E45) Ellen cares for her sick father. Issues include family relationships and communion.
- Grylls, Mary. Helen and Her Cousins: or Two Months at Ashfield Rectory. Boston: Roberts Brothers, Publishers, 1864. (Juv. 823.89 G894H) Originally published by the Christian Knowledge Society, this novel portrays an idealized upper-class English country vacation.
- Lizzie's Visit to New-York. New York: Protestant Episcopal Society for the Promotion of Evangelical Knowledge, 1864. (Juv. 813.49 L789) Lizzie comes to stay with a city cousin, hoping that the warmer air will cure her cough. This change of setting provides a framework for the introduction of Christian values, city descriptions, and chaste romance.
- Susy's Flowers: Or Blessed are the Merciful, For They Shall Obtain Mercy. London: T. Nelson & Sons, 1871. (JUV 823.89 S 964) Susy Grey was daughter of the local Gardener at the Hall. She has lost both mother and brother, but has Christ for companionship.
- Doudney, Sarah. Under Gray Walls. London: Sunday School Union, 1871. (JUV 823.89 D728U) A first-person account of Little Bessie Mere, her family, long lost brother, a war, and a neighborhood cathedral.
- Cupples, Mrs. George. Carry's Rose, or the Magic of Kindness. London: T. Nelson & Sons, 1872. (JUV 823.89 C974C) The heartwarming tale of young Caroline, her little lamb, and her wealthy life.
- Deserted Heroine; or The Wanderer Brought Home. New York: American Tract Society, c. 1875. (JUV 823.79 D451) Illustrated tale of love, God, horses and the power these three forces have over the life of a country girl.
- Eliza Metcalf's Basket, or Policy not Principle. London; Sunday School Union, c. 1876. (JUV 823.89 L634E) Eliza is the eldest daughter of a large and poor family. It is her custom to bring home a basket full of food after work, an act she refuses to see as theft. This book deals with class relationships through a Christian context-several scenes are set in Sunday School.
- Miller, Basil. Patty Lou of the Golden West: A Girl's Adventure Story. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1942 (E #19729)
- Miller, Basil. Patty Lou in the Alligator Swamp. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 1956 (E#20335) This 15 title series revolves around the adventures of a traveling missionary nurse. In Patty Lou of the Golden West, the 14 year old daughter of a sea-faring ship Captain "accepted Christ as her savior, her love of Fun, adventure and a good time did not change." Patty Lou has good clean and thrilling Christian fun, cowgirl style. Other books feature adventures in varied American settings, such as Patty Lou in the Alligator Swamp (E # 20335).
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