Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

What a delightful find! I was clearing out my classics collection in preparation for our move to Bismarck and realized I hadn't ever read this one. It is a captivating and inspiring story of Rebecca's courage and fortitude. It often reminded me of Anne of Green Gables...a poor girl with remarkable talents and gifts. Although it was written for a young audience, the themes and insights are mature. And there are marvelous ironic observations of the characters made by the author. It's also a wonderful look into another time...The setting is Maine in the early part of the 1900's.  I loved the look into the schooling opportunities that Rebecca had. I also liked that Rebecca's future wasn't settled by the end of the book. One wonders what path she took, and whether Mr. Aladdin was able to marry her. She's a remarkable and humble heroine whom I would recommend to any young reader who is sophisticated enough to also appreciate some difficult language and lovely poetry.

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

I found this delightful book in my shelf of classics as we prepare to downsize from out townhome to (possibly?) an apartment to accept a calling in Bismarck. I am trying to decide what is worthy of keeping in hard copy vs. what is ripe to give away. And is it worth saving for the grandchildren?

I'm not sure about this one. I enjoyed the sweet little stories that make up each chapter, but they were not exciting. I mean, I enjoyed them, but not sure a younger reader (like John or Henry) would. I loved learning about the life lessons each of Black Beauty's owners taught, and what stood out most was the love and care for and value of family. It also contains a lot of vignettes that reveal how the poor in England, and in London in particular, survived during this transition between the horse era and the "modern" era of trains, etc. I've always been intrigued by this time period and the tragic way life was lived in order to survive, particularly the children.

I am a horse-lover, so I enjoyed hearing things from his (Black Beauty's)point of view. I'm not sure I treated our horses (while I was growing up) with the care I should have--this book definitely advocates for kindness in training!

This particular copy is old, and probably why it's still around is that it has a Paso Robles address hand-written in it. I'm wondering how it came to us. Perhaps from Grandma Louise Austin? Still, I think it's a give-away. It was enjoyable and light reading, good lessons, but not probably one I will pick up again.