Comments on: Carol Ryrie Brink’s “Caddie Woodlawn”

By: Jane Arnold

Jane Arnold — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:17:46 +0000

I appreciate the balanced review about the book’s outlook on Native Americans, especially as I recently read some “ban this book” comments on another site.
Yes, adults should be aware these 85-year-old comments are coming in the book and should absolutely be ready to discuss them with children. I began reading Wilder’s books to my daughter when she was 3, and when the Ingalls were expelled from “Indian territory,” and their neighbor commented that “The only good Indian is a dead Indian,” we stopped reading and talked about why he said that, why people are so afraid of people who aren’t like them, etc. (Her uncle is half Pueblo.) Many years later, she was living in Washingto Heights (NYC) and she told me, “Mom, I used to worry about walking past the men [primarily men of color] hanging out on the steps, and then I realized they’re just like me. It’s hot in the apartment and they’re hanging out with their friends. So I stopped worrying.” (And this was after she’d been stalked by someone and had to move abruptly.)
When we don’t allow children–or adults–to see where we used to be and how far we’ve come, we allow people to say, “What’s their problem?” The book should be read in an historical context. After all, we no longer expect little girls to sit quietly and sew.

By: Jeannette K. ROOK

Jeannette K. ROOK — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:15:14 +0000

In reply to Rebecca Ripperton. Read Elizabeth George Speare's Sign of the Beaver and Black with on the Pond. I love those books. However I didnt care for Wrinkle I Time Mary Ilengle

By: Jeannette K. ROOK

Jeannette K. ROOK — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:12:22 +0000

In reply to Barbara. I love that part as well However Carol told Dr. CLAUSEMEN IN A letter july 3, 1965 she embellished that part.

By: Jeannette K. ROOK

Jeannette K. ROOK — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:10:40 +0000

In reply to Katja L.. It's a beautiful book I was 45 years old it's a refreshing book. Its clean and not filled with trash. I buy 100 copies every year I give them out as presents and libaries

By: Jeannette K. ROOK

Jeannette K. ROOK — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 01:08:40 +0000

I was 45 when I first read the book. I loved it so much I tracked down the family. It was a tasked. However my hobby is genealogy. I came across the book threw accredited home school program. I AM FRIENDS WITH GRANDDAUGHTER SUSAN CAROLINE HUNTER EDIN

By: Katja L.

Katja L. — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:16:19 +0000

I have not read “Caddie Woodlawn,” but I obviously need to. xD I’ve heard a lot about it and always wanted to read it!

By: Rebecca Ripperton

Rebecca Ripperton — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 21:42:35 +0000

In reply to Barbara.

Thank you for your comment, Barbara! And yes, I do remember that scene!! What a nerve-wracking vote, although I loved that even mother opted to remain in America.

I’m sorry to say that I had never even heard of “Merrylips” before this, but it definitely looks like a title worth reading. I’ll have to keep a sharp eye out for a copy. Thanks for the rec! 🙂

– Rebecca

By: Barbara

Barbara — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 12:26:04 +0000

Yes, I read Caddie Woodlawn when I was young and have re-read it as an adult. A lovely story. How about the episode in which the family is offered the opportunity to move to England as wealthy inheritors of an estate?
On a related note, have you ever read the book “Merrylips” by (I think) Buelah Marie Dix? Set during the English civil war , it has some similarities to Caddie Woodlawn.