Caddie Woodlawn & Caddie Woodlawn's Family

Title: Caddie Woodlawn

Author: Carol Ryrie Brink

Grade Level: 5&6th

                Unexplored woodland, a feisty tom-girl, a faithful dog, and pesky, loyal siblings are a recipe for much mischief and an exceptional story.  Caddie and her family have moved from Boston to the wilds of Wisconsin.  During the trip from Boston to Wisconsin, Caddie and her sister Mary get very sick. Mary dies, but Caddie just barely survives. Because Caddie is so sickly, her father begs her mother to allow Caddie to run and play outside, so she can become stronger. Caddie’s mother agrees, and Caddie has the freedom to run and play outdoors with her brothers, Tom and Warren. Together, the three children get into many scrapes. Their story continues in Caddie Woodlawn’s Family.

Two quick notes, I loved these books when I was a child. Second note: I really appreciated Father’s kind attitude about Native Americans. He sets a kind example of treating others with kindness and dignity.