Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright

Written in 1939, this book follows the family, specifically the young 9-year-old daughter Garnet, of an early 20th century Wisconsin farm family: The Lindens. Garnet’s family is experiencing hard times when a drought is threatening the crops and livelihood of the family. Garnet finds a thimble in the dried-out mud near the creek, and she wonders if it has magic! Her brother tells her there’s no such thing as magic, but from that day on, the wind changed for Garnet, including a big rainstorm and the ending of the dreadful drought! That wasn’t all though! The rest of the book chronicles adventure after adventure for Garnet, her family, and her closest friends.

Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Read Aloud: Ages 5 and up

This charming book reminded me almost immediately of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. However, this is a quicker read and each chapter holds lots of adventure for Garnet. I truly enjoyed this sweet story. I grew to love the adventurous Garnet and her friend Citronella.

It should be noted that since this book was written in 1939, there are minor content considerations solely because it was a different time in our history. I do not personally find these issues something to hinder in the reading of this book by my kids, but we will have conversations to ensure they understand the difference in then versus now.

Content Considerations:
Garnet finds a thimble in the creekbed and says “I think it must be magic”. She thought the thimble would bring her luck.
Indians are mentioned throughout the book in ways such as “we were Comanche Indians doing a rain dance” , or pretending to be Indians and hunching over and walking in a circle.
When Donald didn’t have luck catching fish he said “next time I’ll take a gun and shoot them dead.”
Mentions a goddess-Brunhilde
Citronella makes up a story that includes a vague mention of a witch.

Language:
“Fat”-this was a very common adjective for various people throughout the entire story.
Twice a character said “doggone it”

Questionable Behaviors:
Garnet is always running off without permission. She even hitchhiked a few times!
At the county fair, there is a tent with a jungle dancer and the sign says “16 and up”. One of the younger boys got his way in there by lying about his age.

This review is written by Good Book Mom contributor, Tricia. To learn more about Tricia, click HERE.

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