Henner's Lydia

by Marguerite de Angeli

Lydia, a young Amish girl, lives on a farm near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All summer long she has worked on a small hooked mat, her first piece, that must be finished before she can go to market with her father. In spite of her best efforts, Lydia is much more interested in the wagon coming down the road; in the stories Granny tells, in stopping at Cousin Lavina's, who is making apple butter; in holding the new baby at Cousin Kate's; and even in chasing Nate's runaway pig. Will Lydia finish this mat so that she can go to market? Find out in this picture storybook for young readers. Winner of the 1999 Silver Angel Award from Religion in Media.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Picture Books, 2nd Grade, Classics, Amish

74 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Marguerite de Angeli was an American writer and illustrator of children's books including the 1950 Newbery Award winning book The Door in the Wall. She wrote and illustrated twenty-eight of her own books, and illustrated more than three dozen books and numerous magazine stories and articles for other authors.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even in an Amish household all work and no play makes for a very dull life. Lydia manages to mix a little of each into her day and finally proves herself to be ready for a trip to the city. An appropriate, albeit ordinary, introduction to the Amish for children.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A gentle and simple story about a little girl called Lydia growing up in the Amish community. I loved the illustrations, they're absolutely beautiful. The story was engaging and I particularly liked the examples of German rhymes and sayings with their translations. Reading online meant I didn't enjoy this as much as I would expect to if I read a paper copy, but glad to have the chance to read this.

Read on open library.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this 'slice of life' book about a Pennsylvania Dutch girl. She is called Henner's Lydia to distinguish her from all the other little Lydia's in the community. Here are some things I loved about this classic from the 1930's: 1) The illustrations give us a visual window into Lydia's world. 2) Lydia is not perfect. She is easily distracted and struggles to complete hooked rug project. 3) The family works together and supports each other. 4) There are many examples of the special dialect spoken in the colony. If you have not read this one it is worth the effort to obtain a copy. My copy came from the Missouri State Library in Jefferson City, MO.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

De Angeli's best. Named my youngest after Lydia!

[Lydia Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother named me after Lydia. I used to read it over and over and over. Such a great book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't suppose I would have loved this as a child, even when I craved read-alikes for the Little House books. But it's interesting to learn more details of Lancaster's Amish culture. And I am such a fan of de Angeli's work.

[Granne52 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this as a child, possibly because my mother did. I have her cherished and very well worn copy. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Lydia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally reading this De Angeli book about another Lydia felt like coming home— her illustrations are absolutely perfect as always, capturing the charm and beauty of the Pennsylvania valleys, and the Dutch-isms and comfort foods are exactly right. I was named Lydia in part so I’d always have a bit of PA Dutch about me, and how sweet that a favorite author chose this name for her Amish heroine!

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-written children's book about the life of an Amish Family in the Conestoga Valley of Pennsylvania. I am happy to learn that there are more books by the author about other members of Lydia's family.

[Julie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifts from great Grammy are always fun! This book takes place in Pennsylvania Dutch country. The dialect is a little difficult to read at times. Cute story and a great way to bring a different culture into our world.

[Mrs. Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet glimpse of a Pennsylvania Dutch girl and her family. Quickly read, perhaps quickly forgotten if you are not a 7 or 8 year-old girl.

[Joelle McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story that I read aloud to the kids. It's about an Amish girl who had issues with getting sidetracked and dilly dallying while trying to finish a craft project.

[Selvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lydia is an Amish girl and this book, with a very simple story line, describes her life and world. L. enjoys it a lot and keeps coming back to it, asks questions. The sociological aspect, learning about other cultures is over her head, of course. But she'll understand it later. Very minimal editing required.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little book. Perfect for 1st-4th grade.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as compelling as other de Angeli works of a similar nature.

[Denicemarcell]

Sweet intro to the Amish life.