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Dear Canada
Orphan at My Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope
Through the diary of 11-year-old Victoria Cope, we learn about the arrival of ragged Mary Anna, one of the thousands of impoverished British children who were sent to Canada at the beginning of the century. Mary Anna joins the Cope family as a servant and is treated well, but she has to cope with the initial apprehension of the family members and the loss of her brother, Jasper, who was placed with another family. Victoria vows to help Mary Anna find her brother, so they can be a family once again.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
29 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Jean Little
107 books193 followersJean Little is a Canadian author, born in Taiwan. Her work has mainly consisted of children's literature, but she has also written two autobiographies: Little by Little and Stars Come Out Within. Little has been partially blind since birth as a result of scars on her cornea and is frequently accompanied by a guide dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 26, 2025
In 2001, I received a Chapters gift certificate card as a Christmas present, and on the last day of the year, I purchased Jean Little’s Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope (one of the very first Dear Canada books of fictional diaries, and yes, newly published in 2001), which I then proceeded to devour and read in one sitting and as a much better and more enjoyable New Year’s Eve treat than going out and partying could ever be (both because I had heard from a friend that Jean Little was a wonderful author and also because I was surprised to have read news articles on the Home Children projects in Canada and that from 1875 to 1930, more than sixty-thousand working class and impoverished British children had been sent to Canada, originally meant of course to give poor and often orphaned children a chance of making new lives for themselves in Canada, but sadly, many of these Home Children also ended up being regarded askance and condemned as potentially diseased and feeble minded, seen as lower class "resources" to be exploited at will and often abused with impunity and far far too often with little to no repercussions and consequences for their tormentors).
And yes indeed, both in 2001 when I first read Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope and in 2020 when I ended up rereading in order to finally post a review, I have found Jean Little's narrative, I have found her fictional diary account of young Victoria Cope telling us readers not only about her family's experiences with a British Home Child (Marianna Wilson and of course also Marianna's efforts to locate her brother Jasper and sister Emily Rose who were separated from her when the siblings arrived in Canada) but also about day to day life in an upper middle class doctor's family in turn of the century Guelph, Ontario (during the last years of the 19th century) both delightfully engaging and also very much historically enlightening, including how she, how young Victoria Cope, is using her diary to practice writing (as she wants to become a writer, an author). For Jean Little really has (or rather I should say she really had, as sadly, she passed away this spring) a total knack with regard to creating absolutely wonderful and time and place authentic historical fiction, and not to mention that Jean Little's characters are also (in my humble opinion) ALWAYS wonderfully nuanced and totally well developed (and yes indeed, that when Jean Little has her main characters narrate in the first person, as she of course does with Victoria Cope's imagined journal entries, they always feel age appropriate, with Victoria's voice as a tween diarist in Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope reading and sounding like she is truly a tween and thankfully not like Jean Little trying to pretend to be a girl, pretending to be a tween).
A wonderful but yes also sometimes sad and infuriating perusal Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope has been (because while reading about Victoria's literary efforts and her takes and observations on her family and on her day to day life experiences are sweetly delightful, having to face the sadness of Marianna Wilson being separated from her siblings and in particular reading about the horrible physical and emotional abuse that Marianna's brother Jasper experiences as a indentured farm hand really is majorly heartbreaking but still something that I am oh so so so glad Jean Little has had the courage to point out and to demonstrate, and yes, even in a fictional diary meant for middle grade readers). And in my opinion, if you only choose to read one of the Dear Canada books, I strongly suggest that it be Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope.
And yes indeed, both in 2001 when I first read Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope and in 2020 when I ended up rereading in order to finally post a review, I have found Jean Little's narrative, I have found her fictional diary account of young Victoria Cope telling us readers not only about her family's experiences with a British Home Child (Marianna Wilson and of course also Marianna's efforts to locate her brother Jasper and sister Emily Rose who were separated from her when the siblings arrived in Canada) but also about day to day life in an upper middle class doctor's family in turn of the century Guelph, Ontario (during the last years of the 19th century) both delightfully engaging and also very much historically enlightening, including how she, how young Victoria Cope, is using her diary to practice writing (as she wants to become a writer, an author). For Jean Little really has (or rather I should say she really had, as sadly, she passed away this spring) a total knack with regard to creating absolutely wonderful and time and place authentic historical fiction, and not to mention that Jean Little's characters are also (in my humble opinion) ALWAYS wonderfully nuanced and totally well developed (and yes indeed, that when Jean Little has her main characters narrate in the first person, as she of course does with Victoria Cope's imagined journal entries, they always feel age appropriate, with Victoria's voice as a tween diarist in Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope reading and sounding like she is truly a tween and thankfully not like Jean Little trying to pretend to be a girl, pretending to be a tween).
A wonderful but yes also sometimes sad and infuriating perusal Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope has been (because while reading about Victoria's literary efforts and her takes and observations on her family and on her day to day life experiences are sweetly delightful, having to face the sadness of Marianna Wilson being separated from her siblings and in particular reading about the horrible physical and emotional abuse that Marianna's brother Jasper experiences as a indentured farm hand really is majorly heartbreaking but still something that I am oh so so so glad Jean Little has had the courage to point out and to demonstrate, and yes, even in a fictional diary meant for middle grade readers). And in my opinion, if you only choose to read one of the Dear Canada books, I strongly suggest that it be Orphan at my Door: The Home Child Diary of Victoria Cope.
March 1, 2010
This book is one of the Dear Canada series, which are historical novels, written in diary format, about fictional girls during different periods of Canadian history.
Victoria Cope, who lives in the town of Guelph, Ontario, begins her diary on her eleventh birthday. Because her mother is unwell, her father decides the family will take in a Home Child, an orphan from England, to help with the housework. The girl who joins their household is a small, quiet twelve-year-old named Mary Anna Wilson. Through Victoria's diary, we learn of Mary Anna's plight -- her mother died, and she has been separated from her younger brother and sister. Victoria also tells of the daily life for a young girl in Canada in 1897 and her decision to try and help Mary Anna find her family.
This was the first book I read in the Dear Canada series and I loved it. It was very well written and keep me interested the entire time. The characters of Victoria and Mary Anna were very realistic and likable, and their stories showed how very different life was for rich children and poor children in the late 1800s. This book is still one of my favorites from the series and I'd highly recommend it to young readers who enjoy historical fiction in diary format.
Victoria Cope, who lives in the town of Guelph, Ontario, begins her diary on her eleventh birthday. Because her mother is unwell, her father decides the family will take in a Home Child, an orphan from England, to help with the housework. The girl who joins their household is a small, quiet twelve-year-old named Mary Anna Wilson. Through Victoria's diary, we learn of Mary Anna's plight -- her mother died, and she has been separated from her younger brother and sister. Victoria also tells of the daily life for a young girl in Canada in 1897 and her decision to try and help Mary Anna find her family.
This was the first book I read in the Dear Canada series and I loved it. It was very well written and keep me interested the entire time. The characters of Victoria and Mary Anna were very realistic and likable, and their stories showed how very different life was for rich children and poor children in the late 1800s. This book is still one of my favorites from the series and I'd highly recommend it to young readers who enjoy historical fiction in diary format.
sony-or-android
July 25, 2020For North American Immigration, July 2020, and because Gundula says 'if you read only one Dear Canada, make it this one."
December 17, 2020
4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. I really do enjoy Jean Little’s books. She’s a very good writer. She is excellent at creating families & sibling relationships. I love the father & mother in this book—they’re amazing. I even liked David—I liked that he had a sort of redemption. Tom & Victoria had a sweet relationship too. I really liked Marianna & her story—and poor little Jasper! There are a couple things I don’t agree with (Victoria says she can’t understand how God lets babies dies “but Father says even God must obey the laws of nature”; Victoria steals two berries & says “God did not mind”); also some stuff I could have done without (Victoria has no idea how babies arrive & Marianna has to straighten her out—it’s mentioned many times). There is some heartache & grit in this book—Jasper is horrifically treated—but it’s not too dramatic/gross in my opinion. And I love how the family loves & accepts the Home Children. I recommend this for ages 14+ unedited, 12+ edited.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “During the evening service, Father fell asleep and began to snore softly.
“‘Poke him, Victoria,’ Mother whispered. She was blushing with humiliation.
“I dug my elbow into his waistcoat and he woke up with a start and hollered out, ‘What’s the matter, Lily?’ Then he took in where he was and bowed his head fast….”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “During the evening service, Father fell asleep and began to snore softly.
“‘Poke him, Victoria,’ Mother whispered. She was blushing with humiliation.
“I dug my elbow into his waistcoat and he woke up with a start and hollered out, ‘What’s the matter, Lily?’ Then he took in where he was and bowed his head fast….”
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March 30, 2020My 10 year old self: This is SUCH A GREAT BOOK! It is a diary about Canada, this time written by the character Victoria Josophine Cope, a 10-year-old girl in which loves to write. In her adventures, she meets a raggetty Mary Anna, learns her story, and becomes great friends. Together they find Mary Anna's brother, who was adopted by another family and rescue him from beatings. Please read this book. It is almost a five star read.
November 7, 2018
An odd title, since the orphan does not turn up at the door, but is sent for and picked up at the station like Anne of Green Gables. Also it might make you think that Victoria Cope was the "home child" who kept a diary, but she was actually the daughter of the house the "home child" is sent to--so the "home child" isn't even the main character of the story.
However, a decent sort of read that speaks clearly of the abuse suffered by many Barnardo "orphans" (some of whom actually had parents) without being scabrous. Times have certainly changed in some ways--in those days, children were separated willy-nilly and actively encouraged to forget their birth family and get on with it. Also the idea of eight year old indentured servants as farm labourers or unpaid maids is unthinkable to most these days, and yet not so long ago it was seen as a good deal for the kids. After all, they were fed and housed and clothed and given a trade--weren't they?
Many don't know that Barnardo kids were sent out to Australia as late as the 1960s. One case I knew personally was told he could go back to his mother in a few months. They lied, of course, and his mother was never told where he went when he left London.
However, a decent sort of read that speaks clearly of the abuse suffered by many Barnardo "orphans" (some of whom actually had parents) without being scabrous. Times have certainly changed in some ways--in those days, children were separated willy-nilly and actively encouraged to forget their birth family and get on with it. Also the idea of eight year old indentured servants as farm labourers or unpaid maids is unthinkable to most these days, and yet not so long ago it was seen as a good deal for the kids. After all, they were fed and housed and clothed and given a trade--weren't they?
Many don't know that Barnardo kids were sent out to Australia as late as the 1960s. One case I knew personally was told he could go back to his mother in a few months. They lied, of course, and his mother was never told where he went when he left London.
June 5, 2013
Probably my second favourite in the series, next to Brothers Far from Home: The World War I Diary of Eliza Bates! The best thing about all of the Dear Canada books is that each time I've read one, it's inspired me to research a new event in Canadian history, and so I've learned a ton about our country. Learning about the Barnardo homes was incredibly interesting. It is so horrifying what many of these children had to go through. It's just unreal to think about.
On a side note, in Anne of Green Gables, at one point Marilla mentions Barnardo children, right near the beginning of the story. I love learning those little things, and then later being able to use it to help understand the context of another story! That's why I love reading.
On a side note, in Anne of Green Gables, at one point Marilla mentions Barnardo children, right near the beginning of the story. I love learning those little things, and then later being able to use it to help understand the context of another story! That's why I love reading.
July 15, 2018
"How would you like to go back in time? Most of us would say yes at once if we were given the chance. You have imagination and an enquiring mind. Let me send you back."
This was a favourite of mine growing up, and 15 years later it's just as good but hits me harder. Telling the story of homechildren from the perspective of a Canadian child makes it easier for a young mind to bear, but this book won't shield you from the atrocities children faced during this time.
Reading the way Victoria's perspective and way of looking at the world and the people in her life changed over time was a treat. I watched her go from an ignorant child, to a strong ally, to a heroine in her own right.
It wasn't all happy endings, but it was real and it was hopeful. It left me thinking about the world the very same way it did all those years ago when I used to read these books. I'd recommend this to kids and adults and anyone who wants to experience a little bit of Canadian history.
This was a favourite of mine growing up, and 15 years later it's just as good but hits me harder. Telling the story of homechildren from the perspective of a Canadian child makes it easier for a young mind to bear, but this book won't shield you from the atrocities children faced during this time.
Reading the way Victoria's perspective and way of looking at the world and the people in her life changed over time was a treat. I watched her go from an ignorant child, to a strong ally, to a heroine in her own right.
It wasn't all happy endings, but it was real and it was hopeful. It left me thinking about the world the very same way it did all those years ago when I used to read these books. I'd recommend this to kids and adults and anyone who wants to experience a little bit of Canadian history.
March 19, 2016
Another Ella-recommended read. Barnardo Home Children: who knew? 80,000 children from the UK resettled in Canada between 1880 and 1920, only 1/3 of whom were actually orphans. Indentured to Canadian families, many were forcibly separated from their siblings, after losing their home and their parents, and spent their lives as hard labourers, never being fully accepted into the families and communities they came to live in. 5/6 of these children remained in Canada and settled down to raise families of their own, often never knowing what became of their parents (if they were alive when the children emigrated) and/or their siblings.
December 7, 2014
Книгата много ми хареса макар и да се развива в едно време много далеч от сегашното. От начало беше леко скучна, но по средата вече ми се наложи да я прочета на един дъх. Темата за страданието е много актуална и днес, тъй като на много майки им се налага да оставят децата си, защото не могат да ги гледат. Като цяло книгата си струва да се прочете.
November 16, 2015
Interesting period story from the late 1800's. Takes place in Guelph. Great for kids, about grade 3-4 and up. Good messaging about judging people who are different.
April 12, 2017
I think this book was very interesting and not super cheesy!
April 2, 2022
My 10 year old self read this story and loved it. Set in Guelph, it tells the story of Victoria in 1897, during the period when 12 year old Marianne, a Home Girl from England, comes to live with her family. A lot ensues, including a health condition that tires her mother, and dealing with a nasty brother and an even nastier farmer from out in the country.
The realities of the time period, and Home Children in particular, are presented in an age appropriate way for a mature 9-10 year old.
For parents who may wish to assess the appropriateness of this book for their young reader, subjects broached include separation, becoming an orphan, death, childbirth, discrimination, courage, tenacity, trust, kindness, compassion and redemption.
(Honestly, I couldn't put it down. Jean Little is a wonderful children's author.)
The realities of the time period, and Home Children in particular, are presented in an age appropriate way for a mature 9-10 year old.
For parents who may wish to assess the appropriateness of this book for their young reader, subjects broached include separation, becoming an orphan, death, childbirth, discrimination, courage, tenacity, trust, kindness, compassion and redemption.
(Honestly, I couldn't put it down. Jean Little is a wonderful children's author.)
August 13, 2020
Although Victoria, the main character, was just a tad too mature about accepting the "home girl" into their home to be really believable, I enjoyed this book and its portrayal of prejudice. Maybe kids back then WERE more mature than I am used to. I am also a bit surprised that she didn't understand much about pregnancy, since her father was a doctor who delivered babies, too. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable read.
August 7, 2021
I started this book assuming the main character was going to be the "home child", and so for the first several pages I'm on tenterhooks waiting for her whole family to suddenly die. But no, Victoria's family, a relatively prosperous Canadian doctor's family, adopts Marianna (Mary Anne), an English ward. Through her relationship with Marianna, Victoria has some interesting class awakenings, and she has a humorous narrative voice. The characters are also well developed and fairly believable. Even the pets were personable.
November 13, 2021
I read this as I was thinking of giving it to a grand-daughter for Christmas It is an excellent book for children in grades 3-6 depending on their reading ability. I have done a far bit of reading about Home Children as my grandfather was a Home Child. This book is based on the Barnardo Children. I highly recommend this book and any of the others in the Dear Canada series
October 24, 2023
This was epic
August 20, 2025
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March 10, 2020
Victoria Josephine Cope (named after Queen Victoria and Jo from Little Women) receives a diary for her 11th birthday. She thinks life with her parents and two older brothers will be too boring to write about and she'll have to make up stories. Her life becomes more exciting when an orphan girl comes to stay. Victoria hopes the Home Child will be a sister to her, but Mary Anna is quiet and reluctant to befriend Victoria. When some cranky relatives come to stay, Victoria and Mary Anna are forced to share a bedroom. The girls become friends and Mary Anna shares her biggest secrets with Victoria. Soon the two are plotting on how best to rescue Mary Anna's little brother who is in desperate need of help. It takes all of Victoria's courage and Mary Anna's trust to solve their problems.
This is my favorite of the books I have read so far. It reminds me of Anne of Green Gables. Both girls are realistic and likable once you get to know them better. All the characters are kind of typical kid-lit characters but the book is very well-written and I couldn't put the book down. Fans of American Girl's Samantha series Samantha Learns a Lesson: A School Story Nellie's Promise will enjoy this book. Mary Anna reminded me so much of Nellie.
This is my favorite of the books I have read so far. It reminds me of Anne of Green Gables. Both girls are realistic and likable once you get to know them better. All the characters are kind of typical kid-lit characters but the book is very well-written and I couldn't put the book down. Fans of American Girl's Samantha series Samantha Learns a Lesson: A School Story Nellie's Promise will enjoy this book. Mary Anna reminded me so much of Nellie.
February 14, 2015
On Her Eleventh birthday, Victoria Cope recieves a diary in 1897, the same time period in which Doctor Thomas Barnardo is sending young orphans from British slums to work for families in Canada. When Victoria's mother is ill, Somebody reccomends they get a home girl to take on some duties at their house. Soon, their home child arrives, a twelve-year-old girl named Marianna Wilson the same day as their bossy great aunt Lib and Cousin Anna arrive. Aunt Lib treats Marianna poorly and make her work as if she is a slave. Victoria's older brother, David also is against home children. Victoria is also curious behind the mystery of Marianna's little brother Jasper who was separated from her. A few months later, Victoria finds Jasper hidden in the horse stable, unwell. It turns out that he has been beaten several times by his cruel master, Carl Stone. They loose Jasper when Mr. Stone's sister, Pansy Jordan comes to visit cousin Anna. Fortunatly, Victoria's other brother, Tom finds Jasper near the river. She and Marianna finally tell Mr. and Mrs. Cope, and they agree to take him in. Doctor Cope then tells of Mr. Stone's cruelness and he is not permitted to have a home child to work for him. In the end, Mrs. Cope gives birth to a baby girl, named Emily Rose, after Marianna's baby sister.
I really liked this book because it wasn't from the home girl's perspective, It was from another perspective. Which is very origional. The only little thing was that sometimes the diary entries were really long. Otherwise, Perfect! I reccomend it to everyone.
I really liked this book because it wasn't from the home girl's perspective, It was from another perspective. Which is very origional. The only little thing was that sometimes the diary entries were really long. Otherwise, Perfect! I reccomend it to everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2018
I got this as a summer reading book and it was one of my favourite books of all times there is some sad parts, like when they find Jasper, but overall really good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 10, 2008Victoria's mother is unwell so her father decides to get a home child (A home child is a kid that was left an orphan and has no choice but to work.) When they go to pick her up at the station Victoria sees that she has a interesting past. Her name is Marrianna. Later in the book Victoria does some sneaking and finds Jasper, Marrianna's brother, was hiding in the stable. Jasper was beaten badly and abused by Mr. Stone. Jasper has red hair, bright eyes, and a glowing smile but now he is covered with scabs, and has a broken arm. Marrianna is a thin small girl who looks younger than she is. Victoria has brown hair, that is always in braids. I really liked this book because it kept me wondering what would happen. I couldn't stop reading! This book makes you feel like you are really lucky to have a family that's not broken up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2012
The Dear Canada series features a variety of historical fiction novels for children aged 8 to 12. This novel, written as twelve-year-old Victoria Cope’s diary, follows a year of her life in Guelph Ontario in 1897. The diary focuses primarily on her family’s intake of a twelve-year-old home child named Marianna. While the books tells the story from the perspective of a young girl, it provides readers with insight to life in Ontario in 1897, the hardship experienced by home children, as well as the social construct of gender roles during the time. The inclusion of additional historical context adds to the educational value of the book, without coming across as a lesson in Canadian history. The main character, with her strengths and flaws, is portrayed in a manner that allows her to be both realistic and relatable, adding to the enjoyment of reading her diary.
April 22, 2013
Another wonderful title from Dear Canada is waiting right at your doorstep. Orphan At My Door brings the captivating story of Eleven year old Victoria Cope and how her family take in a "Home Child" from England as a domestic servant. She must learn her dark secrets, but will she spill the beans? You'll find out in this story.
It's so captivating, well researched, and hard to put down! When I was driving to Toronto with my family yesterday, A broadcast came on about home children. I begged my parents to turn up the radio (despite my brother wanting to listen to music.) We all found it very interesting though. I've recommended to all of my friends and teachers, and we're going to read "Turned Away" in class.
Love,
Regina Mary Smith
PS: I'm making a new goodreads account. It's called Regina Smith, so follow that.
It's so captivating, well researched, and hard to put down! When I was driving to Toronto with my family yesterday, A broadcast came on about home children. I begged my parents to turn up the radio (despite my brother wanting to listen to music.) We all found it very interesting though. I've recommended to all of my friends and teachers, and we're going to read "Turned Away" in class.
Love,
Regina Mary Smith
PS: I'm making a new goodreads account. It's called Regina Smith, so follow that.
June 25, 2013
This book is amazing! I've been reading the Dear Canada series for two years now, and this is one of the best!
So, the story goes that there is an eleven year old girl named Victoria Cope who lives in Guelph, Ontario in 1897. Her mother is unwell and they decide to apply for a Home Girl to take on duties in the household. Once their Home Girl Marianna arrives, Victoria is curious about why Marianna is never happy. As the two girls grow closer, Victoria insists that they must find Marianna's younger brother, Jasper. As they begin, Victoria finds more than she bargained for.
This book is amazig. It's historically accurate, it has a very interesting plotline, and has charecters that are well developed. But I feel like the beginning happened too quickly, and one of the journal entries was twenty pages long. Other than that, this book is a dream! Highly Recommended!
So, the story goes that there is an eleven year old girl named Victoria Cope who lives in Guelph, Ontario in 1897. Her mother is unwell and they decide to apply for a Home Girl to take on duties in the household. Once their Home Girl Marianna arrives, Victoria is curious about why Marianna is never happy. As the two girls grow closer, Victoria insists that they must find Marianna's younger brother, Jasper. As they begin, Victoria finds more than she bargained for.
This book is amazig. It's historically accurate, it has a very interesting plotline, and has charecters that are well developed. But I feel like the beginning happened too quickly, and one of the journal entries was twenty pages long. Other than that, this book is a dream! Highly Recommended!
November 28, 2017
You know when it's written by Jean Little that it's going to be good. This is a wonderful historical diary novel. Its big-hearted narrator has a sweet sense of humour and mischief, and her entries are a delight to read. It's a peek into family life at the turn of the century before last; details about the Home Child immigration and the daily lives of Canadians in 1897 are peppered seamlessly through the diary entries alongside an exciting plot. Not a proud part of our history--these kids were imported as slaves, basically, at the mercy of whoever took them in. This book takes a potentially depressing subject and makes it highly readable, thanks to its charming narrator and her (mostly) compassionate family. The reader is left feeling good about the outcome of this particular Home Child family, but wondering how awful it must have been for so many others. A good read.
March 10, 2011
This book is a girl about Victoria Cope that lives in an orphan with other nice kids. Victoria was the youngest child in the orphanage. Since she was the youngest, she had the most attention, and was treated the nicest. But not until another Victoria who is younger than her comes in to the orphan. The people in the orphan takes care of her more than Victoria Cope, so she gets jealous and writes how she feels ion her diary. Victoria is a nice girl that likes to help others. But sometimes, there are times when she gets a little jealous, and sometimes, she kind of shows off. But at the end of this book, she learns that the new Victoria was just the same as her before she came in. So she learns how to calm herself down and becomes a smarter girl.
December 28, 2017
Rarely in the Dear Canada series is the diarist upper class- this was an interesting change of perspective! Victoria Cope writes about her family gaining a “home child” (basically a child who is adopted with the intention that they do a lot of chores) as well as other things like her father’s medical practice. It really painted a picture of life in southern Ontario at this time. I really liked the discussion of prejudice against orphans and lower class people. I read up a little about home children and Jean Little seemed to really capture the thoughts of the day in this book.
August 8, 2022
I think this is actually the first Dear Canada book I read, so it holds a special place in my heart. I'm not surprised by how well it holds up since my standards for Middle Grade historical fiction are shockingly low, but I genuinely think this is a good (children's) book. The writing is simple since this is for kids, but it's really nice. The plot is also interesting and there is a surprising amount of character development for most of the cast.
While the Gold Rush diary will always be my favorite, I can admit that technically this is the better book (and in fact may be one of the best in the series).
While the Gold Rush diary will always be my favorite, I can admit that technically this is the better book (and in fact may be one of the best in the series).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews