Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 10+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Rebecca is a lively girl from a poor farm who goes to live with her two aunts in Maine. Aunt Jane is kind, but Aunt Miranda is very strict. When Miranda dies, she leaves Rebecca the brick house, and Rebecca says, "God bless Aunt Miranda!" A cheerful classic about hard work and honoring family. Age 10, set by Lumen's own read-alone age.
For parents
Age 10, set by Lumen's own read-alone age; no Common Sense Media or publisher age was found. Read it aloud from 7. Aunt Miranda is often harsh, Rebecca's mother has an accident, and Miranda dies near the end. Adam Ladd, a man of 32, befriends 14-year-old Rebecca; one scholar calls his interest nonsexual. Talk about safe friendships with adults: no secrets, and parents always know. Ask: how did Rebecca honor her aunt in the end?