Side Saddle for Dandy

by Nancy Faulkner, Marguerite de Angeli (Illustrator)

When Cordelia rode up to Long Meadow in her fine coach and announced that Dandy had no more manners than a mongrel puppy, the young Clarks feared the worst. And sure enough, Papa decided that it was high time for Dandy to stop being another of the Clark boys and learn to take his place as mistress of the plantation household. The future, as he and Aunt Cordelia mapped it out, looked grim.

Side saddle and long skirts for Dandy, who had ridden like a buckskinned frontiersman ever since she could remember! Dainty cousin Polly Smythe to come from Williamsburg and teach the steps of the minuet, the fingering of the spinet. Bemba, the stately housekeeper, to instruct the slippery-fingered Dandy in the use of herbs and poultices. Small wonder she nearly decided to join the militia with her brother Chris.

How events conspired to change her mind is a delightful story. A Shawnee raid and a secret cave provide excitement and a handsome young Bill Rutherford lends the final impetus for Dandy's transformation.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

214 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, Ms. Faulkner developed her love of history growing up and taught school in Virginia before moving to New York City where she wrote many books for children.

Reviews

[Cynthia Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first books I read when I learned to read. I was about 8 years old when I discovered this in the Library. My Teacher thought it was “too old” for me but I insisted. I read it, I loved it and I read it over and over. It has everything a young child to a young woman and even now at 64 would love and appreciate about a book. Action, adventure, love, teenage angst, rebellion, both personal and political. Something for everyone.

[Naomi McCullough · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dandy is "taken in hand" and made to behave as a young woman, she fears her days of adventure are over. However, Dandy soon learns the strengths of these lessons when the home is threatened by a treacherous attack.
Delightful, wholesome, and heartily reminds me of Felicity but with more to the story!