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The Hired Girl

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The Hired Girl
By Laura Amy Schlitz
Candlewick, 2015. Fiction. 400p.

During the summer of 1911, fourteen-year-old Joan Skraggs keeps a diary of her experiences. Running away from an unloving father and the endless drudgery of farm work, Joan makes it to Baltimore, lies about her age, and gets hired on as a servant in the home of a rich Jewish family. Thus begins her education in the ways of the world; she is introduced to great books, classic art, difficult social rules, anti-Semitism, and first love.

Newbery medal winner, Laura Amy Schlitz, has created an intelligent, compassionate, overly romantic, and trouble-prone heroine reminiscent of Anne Shirley and Jo March. This richly detailed, historical coming-of-age story is a wonderful blend of drama, faith, humor, and growth. Great for older readers and adults. This title is available in print, audio CD, downloadable print, downloadable audio, and as an adult book club set.
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