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Gr 9 Up-Jerusha Abbott has grown up in the John Grier Home for orphans. As the oldest, she is in charge of the younger children. An anonymous benefactor on the Board, "Mr. Smith," decides to send her to college, as long as she writes to him faithfully detailing her education. Originally published in 1912, Jean Webster's coming-of-age tale continues to be relevant to young women today. Actress Kate Forges shares these months and years, from freshman to senior in college. Through a series of letters Jerusha writes to "Daddy-Long-Legs," a relationship filled with affection and respect develops, even though she is the only correspondent throughout the years. Although the narrative unfolds slowly, the language is sophisticated, highly descriptive, and witty. Jerusha's concern about social class standings may seem a bit dated to most listeners, as the reference to "Negro waiters" when she is riding the train may surprise and offend some listeners. Forbes gives an outstanding one-woman performance. Her crisp elucidation, varied intonations, and enthusiasm for this character provide a first-rate reading. This tale will appeal to listeners who revel in rich, detailed imagery to present a character wholly believable and likeable.-Tina Hudak, St. Bernard's School, Riverdale, MD
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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That's why I was so pleasantly suprised with this book. The writing is entertaining, intelligent and always realistic. That is EXACTLY how a person in their late teens, early twenties writes (I know, I'm a letter writer in that age group) and it is so refreshing to read an author who knows what she is talking about on the subject.
Judy Abbott is most certainly not a Pollyanna, she teases, gets angry and argues but she has a nice nature and always manages to patch things up. She is an orphan who writes to her mysterious benefactor whom she dubs "Daddy-Long-Legs". Because he is her fairy godmother for all purposes, she confides in him even though she knows he will never answer. The ending is marvelous with a great little twist. I think this book is great for girls 8-80 and am sorry I did not read it sooner
"It isn't the big troubles in life that require character. Anybody can rise to a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh -- I really think that requires spirit."
"I think the most necessary quality for any person to have is imagination. It makes people able to put themselves in other people's places. It makes them kind and sympathetic and understanding. It ought to be cultivated in children."
This heroine is Jerusha Abbot, who pluckily changes her name to Judy as soon as she enters college. Most of the novel is composed of her letters to the kind trustee, whom she has named Daddy-Long-Legs. Her observations on her roommates, friends, classes, teachers, and life in general are a delight to read and her style is light and funny. She remains as likeable today as she was when this book was first published in 1912.
Thankfully, the "modern" details that Webster sprinkled throughout the text will not get in the way of readers' enjoyment. When Judy confesses that she hadn't known that R.L.S. stood for Robert Louis Stevenson or that George Eliot was a lady--and almost laments that she "wasn't brought up on 'Little Women'"--readers don't mind that neither had they. It is the spirit of the words that comes through to them: they understand what is important--her embarrassment at the fact and her motivation to correct it--and that is enough.
As Webster considered herself a socialist and a reformer, one of the reasons she wrote "Daddy-Long-Legs" was definitely to show the more uppity folk of the early twentieth century that even children who are brought up in orphan asylums _can_ become useful, productive adults when they grow up.
Of course, the appeal of this children's novel has less to do with that message than with Judy's (and therefore, Webster's) sense of humor.
... Read more ›To add, correct, or read more Book Extras for Daddy-Long-Legs , visit Shelfari, an Amazon.com company.
