A Little Maid of Massachusetts Colony

The Little Maid's Historical Series #2

by Alice Turner Curtis

The story of Anne Nelson's journey with the Indians, her imprisonment and her escape, and how Anne helped to capture an English privateer.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Historical

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

Children's and young adult historical fiction author Alice Turner Curtis was born in Sullivan, Hancock County, Maine, USA. Her maiden name is Alice L. Turner. She is listed in the Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books. Her father was a sailmaker. She was married (in Boston on 20 May 1895) to Irving Curtis (18 Jan 1835 – 18 Nov 1910). Her parents (both born in Maine) were John Vinal Turner and Susan Ann Spear. Alice lived her life in Maine and Massachusetts (notably, in Boston). She had been in the literary profession since at least 1895 (with Marjorie's Way being her first known book, published in 1904).

Alice Turner Curtis is the author of "The Little Maid's Historical Series", originally published, during the period from 1910 to 1937. Reprinted by Knopf in the 1940's and 1950's with illustrations by Sandra James. Some books were reprinted by Applewood in the 1990's with the original illustrations. One book containing two original stories was printed by Derrydale Books in 1991. She is also known for the Grandpa's Little Girls series, The Yankee Girl Civil War Stories, the Frontier Girl series, The Little Heroine series, the Marjorie series, the Little Runnaways series, and other books.

Reviews

[Mary Lou · Rating 3 out of 5]

My granddaughter was given this by a friend, and I joined her in reading it. A fun tale of a young girl during the colonial times in Massachusetts. It gives a good look into what life was like in a small coastal fishing town, and how exciting it was to travel to the "big" city of Boston. Many good value lessons are presented in the narrative of Anne Nelson, including how to honor a friendship. This is one novel in a series of historical fiction written at the turn of the twentieth century. I recommend them for anyone with an interest in American history, and especially well done for young girls.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my quest to review older books to see if they're hidden treasures or ought to be forgotten, I knew I needed to try one of these Little Maid books. I was surprised to find myself, an adult, enjoying the story. This is exactly the sort of book I would have loved as a 4th grader. Some history, some adventure, a little bit of interpersonal conflict. Everything works out neatly in the end, though. Living in Massachusetts, I loved all the local references. Nature, towns, industries, and famous people come into the story to locate it in Revolutionary Cape Cod and Boston.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Anne Nelson had more adventures in a short time span than most of us have in a lifetime.

When Anne is invited to Boston, jealous Amanda does something mean then blames it on Anne. Anne has no idea why she is in trouble, so she runs away to make her own way to Boston.

Along the way she meets Native Americans and thank goodness they are friendly . They help her make her way to Rose's family.

Well the truth of the matter is found out thanks to Amos, and Anne gets to go to Boston.

During that trip she gets into all sorts of hijinx, which end with having a boat renamed in her honor.

These books are a lot of fun and I would highly recommend them to any young girls ( or young at heart) that enjoy history or adventure.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Maid-Ma...

Wow. This was much more adventurous than the first book, and that was also quite adventurous. Anyway, it was a great read, and I enjoyed it. It's more emotionally/socially complicated than the first. The book is a little longer. It's a satisfying story. Basically, Anne Nelson is to go on a trip to Boston to see the Freeman family and her father, but … It would spoil the story to say much. Suffice it to say, she goes on a lot of adventures, shows bravery, meets new people, and lots of other stuff that I shouldn't tell you if I don't want to spoil the story. It's set during the time when the Declaration of Independence was signed, starting in Province Town, on Cape Cod, where Anne lives.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read to Mom, Summer/Fall 2025, not sure of exact dates.

[Mary Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read every one of these that I could get my hands on by the time I finished third grade. I got so caught up in them that I remember a game of chase around the basement at school at indoor recess and calling out in words of that era. The kid I was chasing turned around and said I talked funny (caught her), but a nearby teacher looked gently amused. Funny, the flashes of memory that stay with one.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1915 - A good book for young children. An entertaining adventure of a small young girl living a simple and plain life during the American Revolution.

This book continues the life and adventures of Anne Nelson. She escaped the wolves, had a journey with the Indians, and had an excited trip to Boston and more surprises. I recommend this book for young children that is interested in Early American History.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCL. I think Ann and Rose were really brave when they were captured.

[emma grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in 2005-6.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stars are in honor of the bravery and independence of good-hearted Anne Nelson -- rare qualities for the heroine of a children's book from 1914.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Revisiting childhood books