Ginnie Joins In

Ginnie and Geneva #2

by Catherine Woolley, Iris Beatty Johnson (Illustrator)

It sometimes seems to Ginnie that the other girls are prettier or smarter or more sure of themselves than she is. She is enchanted at the prospect of spending a summer at the lake, but when she gets there she discovers there is one thing that stands between her and complete enjoyment: she doesn't know how to swim! With even the smallest children swimming or jumping fearlessly off the float, Ginnie feels that her feeble efforts make her conspicuous. But Ginnie's practice and determination help her find her way among her friends. At last Ginnie finds out how much fun she can have when she learns to accept herself and even laugh at herself.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1951

About the author

A prolific writer of over eighty books, Catherine Woolley published so many children's books that her publisher recommended using a pen name for some of her works. Ms. Woolley's Ginnie Fellows series was and continues to be a reader favorite across generations.

Pen name: Jane Thayer.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another example that Ginnie developed a lot as a character over the course of the series. My, but she didn’t want to try much and was scared of what people would think in this earlier book! This title was the turning point, where she learned to overcome all that. Some good lessons to bring up with your kids.

This book takes place over the Summer. Ginnie, Geneva and Anna stay at a cabin at a lake, learning to swim, making new friends, picking blackberries, and sleeping out in a tent by themselves one night.

Great summer fun and good thoughts to mull over.

Ages: 8 - 12

Content Considerations: gosh, golly, mercy and the like are said throughout the book. A girl has a bad attitude a few times, is scared/makes excuses to avoid doing things, but learns it’s best to try, keep practicing and to smile. A girl is discontent with her dress and her hair style, asking for a permanent, but soon learns that she shouldn’t compare herself with other girl’s looks. Two illustrations with a girl in a two piece bathing suit (top is tank style).

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[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather blah, but an extra star because I love Woolley so much, and because it's so nice to find new ones I haven't read!

Re-read November 2016.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in my series of books I read more than 50 years ago. In this case, more like 57 or so. :)

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever have something that you'd like to do but are afraid to do? Anything new can be scary and challenging at first. And Ginnie has many many things that she'd love to be able to do, but is afraid to do. And she's afraid of what other people will think of her while she's learning a new skill. Though the book we see Ginnie's courage growing. We see her daring to try to learn new skills. We see her getting over caring so much about what other people are saying. I love the book because I think as we see people's courage growing and we seek them getting over their issues we are inspired to be braver ourselves and to solve our issues as well.

Talking points - What were you afraid to do in the past, but you did anyway and now you are so happy that you did? What was the last new skill that you learned? Was it easy or hard for you? What gave you the gumption to keep working at it? What new skills do you want to learn? What's stopping you? What are some of the things that you are good at doing today? How long did you have to work at those things to be as good as you are? What things come naturally to you? What things do you think that you have to work at harder that the average person? What would you tell someone who wanted to learn to do the things you are good at?

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It sometimes seems to Ginnie that the other girls are prettier or smarter or more sure of themselves than she is. She is enchanted at the prospect of spending a summer at the lake, but when she gets there she discovers there is one thing that stands between her and complete enjoyment: she doesn't know how to swim! With even the smallest children swimming or jumping fearlessly off the float, Ginnie feels that her feeble efforts make her conspicuous. But Ginnie's practice and determination help her find her way among her friends. At last Ginnie finds out how much fun she can have when she learns to accept herself and even laugh at herself.

[Audrey Ettinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying reading the Ginnie and Geneva series from scratch on Open Library. The stories are sweet and cute, and the friendships real.

Definitely the 1951 publication date shines through in spots -- Ginnie has a run-in with yellow jackets and gets a bunch of stings even on her face, and everyone kind of shakes it off and giggles, including her parents. No major worries here! But the girls are expected to swim and play outside and camp out in a tent, too.

This one was a bit preachy about "try new things, Ginnie!" plus a bit of "smile more so that you will be pretty!" in a really dated way. But still enjoyable!

[carrietracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ginnie and her friends spend the summer at the lake. I'm continually surprised in this series of how much parents are away from their children but I suppose it's not all that different from sleep away camp. I liked that a lot of this one is about Ginnie overcoming her fears - something I don't see addressed as much in recent kids books but really speaks to how kids actually feel about trying new things, fears about being left behind or left out and about others noticing when they fail.

[Toni Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one in a series of 'Ginnie' books meant for young girls. It is a cute book about Ginnie wanting to fit in. A terrific book about learning to not only accept yourself, but also about determination.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another re-read of one of my favorite childhood series.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story, mostly about Ginny learning to accept her looks and stretch herself to try new things.

[girl writing · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series from childhood. I was always jealous of kids who 'went to the lake' for the summer. A good read about learning new things and building self confidence.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in a favorite series. A fun read for girls ages 7-10.

[Jane Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved and treasured!