Pollyanna, Written by Eleanor H. Porter

Pollyanna

Written by: Eleanor H. Porter

Grades: 4-up

It is 1913 and Pollyanna Whittier is eleven years old and has just become an orphan. She is sent to live with her wealthy spinster Aunt Polly. Aunt Polly does not like children but, feels it is her duty to take in her late sisters child. Pollyanna has taken on her father's outlook on life to find something good in everything. No matter what is thrown her way she has a good attitude about it and finds the good. Her sunshine attitude soon spreads throughout the small town of Beldingsville, Vermont. The town learns to play what they call the "Glad Game" and find something good in their own lives as well. The one person who does not want to play the game is her Aunt but, even she is starting to be glad about certain things. Pollyanna and her outlook change when she is hit by a car and can not walk. The town all come and encourage her like she encouraged them and she soon finds things to be glad about again. Aunt Polly soon changes and she marries an old boyfriend. Pollyanna does learn to walk again and is even more appreciative of the use of her legs.