Family Values

Katherine Paterson writes in the introduction:

"Jean Little has often been called “Canada’s most beloved writer of children’s literature,” and one has only to read From Anna to understand why. For forty years now, young Anna Solden has been warming the hearts of readers of every age and description. If you long for a book about a strong, loving family (and they are rare these days), this is your book. If you, or a loved one, are struggling with an unrecognized disability, this is your book. If you are teased by your more able siblings or put down at school, this is your book. If you are forced to leave the only home you know to move to a strange new setting, this is your book. If you are an outsider, longing for love and understanding …
Obviously, I could go on and on. . . .
From Anna is a lovely book. If you haven’t read it before, do, it will warm your heart. If you have, read it again. It will refresh your soul."

And so, friends, like Ms Paterson, I recommend From Anna to you. It is one of the best children's chapter books you will ever read. ( )

A great classic. ( )

My edition makes it look like an ordinary school story, and therefore it's been on my shelf for years. Bouncing through comments from [b:My Buddy|378438|My Buddy|Audrey Osofsky|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1312059194s/378438.jpg|368270] I learn that Anna is not one of [a:Andrew Clements|63095|Andrew Clements|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1209495851p2/63095.jpg] comfortable middle-class children - and I'm more motivated to move this book forward on my to-read pile.

Well, it was different. A short book, about a nice family, and a somewhat troubled girl. Lots of educational ideas about pre-WWII Germany and Canada, about families, about disabilities, and kindness, etc. Not much room for heartfelt character development, in my opinion. I mean, I just never managed to quite empathize with Anna, even though most of the book emphasizes them.

In other words, recommended if you're interested, but I won't push this one anyone. ( )

This is one of my most remembered books. I truly loved it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys children's literature. It's a beautiful story. ( )