When I was a kid, it wasn't that high up on my list of favorite "classic girls' books". However, in later years, with each re-read, I've found myself liking it a little better.

Perhaps it's because as I've grown older, I've gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the story and its characters.

The book may have seemed different to me as a child, but now, I can see the value and charm that it holds.

Each time I pick it up, I discover something new or notice a detail that I missed before.

It's like uncovering a hidden treasure with each reading.

Re-reading this book has become a sort of ritual for me, a way to escape into a different world and relive the magic.

I look forward to many more re-reads in the future and seeing how my perception of the book continues to evolve. Re-read, March 2018

Written at the turn of the twentieth century in 1903, this captivating tale unfolds the story of Rebecca's tween and teen years.

When her mother can no longer afford to support her and all her siblings financially, Rebecca is sent to live with two spinster aunts.

This change in her life presents her with an opportunity for a better future.

If you have a curiosity about what life was like a hundred years ago, then this book is an absolute must-read for you.

Depending on your perspective, this story has the power to make you long for the days of yore or feel even more grateful to be alive in the present.

It offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, filled with its own unique challenges and joys.

Rebecca's journey through her formative years will surely engage and inspire readers of all ages.

So, pick up this book and embark on a wonderful adventure back in time.

I chose the book while I was assisting children in finding library books that suited them.

As I was doing so, I recalled the Shirley Temple movie that I had watched when I was a child. I had high hopes for a comparable experience with this book.

Surprisingly, the story in the book actually reminded me a great deal of Anne of Green Gables. I was really charmed by the protagonist's flowery and imaginative mind as she endeavored to make the best of her life.

The way she approached various situations and her unique perspective on the world around her made the book truly engaging. It was as if I was taken back to my own childhood, experiencing the joys and challenges along with her.

I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next.

This book not only entertained me but also brought back a flood of memories and emotions from my younger days. It was a wonderful discovery that I would highly recommend to others.

Rebecca's Ten Life Enriching Lessons for Grownups:

I typically read children's books during Christmas. Not only to catch up with my Reading Challenge (I'm currently 10 books behind), but also because most children's books contain life lessons that can serve as excellent reminders for the upcoming year. The New Year always represents a new beginning and new hope. Do you recall when you were in school and, after reading a story in class, the teacher would ask you what lessons you learned from it? Well, in this year's series of children's books, I'll attempt to list the ten lessons that came to mind while reading a particular book.

1) We all have the potential to rise above mediocrity. Rebecca, a plain 10-year-old from a poor family, is sent by her mother to live with her two strict spinster aunts in hopes of a better future. Mediocre in appearance and initially in school, she ultimately overcomes mediocrity.
2) Speak up. Filipinos are generally shy, especially in the presence of white Westerners. This may be due to our country's long history of colonization by Spain and the USA. As a result, we are often submissive. Rebecca, despite her humble background, wins the hearts of the Riverboro (Maine) people with her loquaciousness and witty remarks.
3) Children should not bear the sins of their parents. At first, Aunt Miranda dislikes Rebecca because she resembles her deceased father, whom the aunt did not approve of for her younger sister, Rebecca's mother. However, children are innocent and should not be punished or judged based on their parents' actions.
4) Don't underestimate a child's ability to endure poverty, challenges, and trials. Parents often worry about their children, seeing them as helpless. But Rebecca shows us that children can handle multiple problems simultaneously, such as financial difficulties, caring for others, and dealing with loss.
5) Imagination knows no bounds. Rebecca's greatest strength is her vivid imagination, which allows her to question the status quo. However, I felt that this aspect of her character could have been developed further to make her truly unforgettable.
6) Children need adults to guide them. Our kids or pupils are highly impressionable, like dry sponges ready to soak up everything. We must be careful what we show them, as they look up to us as role models.
7) Let your children form friendships in school. When Jane becomes Rebecca's friend, both girls thrive. Their friendship provides support and helps Rebecca overcome the many obstacles in her path.
8) Spontaneity can lead to creativity. Sometimes, our focus on structures and traditions can stifle our creativity. Rebecca's spontaneity allows her to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions.
9) Don't have too many children if you're not financially stable. This may seem obvious, but it's a lesson worth repeating. In the book, Rebecca's mother struggles to provide for her seven children as a single parent. Even today, raising a large family can be a significant financial burden.
10) In the end, everything will work out. Rebecca proves to Aunt Miranda and her mother that if we strive to do the right thing, things will turn out well. At the beginning of the novel, her mother is worried about sending Rebecca away, but Rebecca's promise to be good gives her hope. And indeed, in the end, everything does work out.

Rebecca may not be as strikingly beautiful as Heidi or Pinocchio, but she is a charming character who combines elements of the Ugly Duckling and Cinderella. American children and young adults at the turn of the century could relate to her, which is why the book became an instant bestseller when it was first published in 1903. As a classic American children's book, it's not really necessary to criticize. It's a heartwarming story that can inspire all plain-looking girls to pursue their dreams, focusing on their positive traits rather than their appearance.

This is yet another book that slipped through my fingers during my childhood. Lately, I've been having an absolute blast reading some of these old children's classics.

The first third of this particular book was a bit on the slow side. However, as I neared the end, I found myself completely engrossed and wholeheartedly rooting for Rebecca.

This book bears a striking resemblance to Anne of Green Gables, yet Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm was penned several years earlier. I find that fact truly fascinating. Rebecca has this unique charm that allows her to bring joy to those around her, even in the most trying of circumstances.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, although I wasn't overly fond of Aunt Miranda. It shares many similarities with other books of its genre, such as those written by Louisa May Alcott and Pollyanna. As I mentioned earlier, it's very much like Anne of Green Gables.

It's a delightful book that I can't wait to share with my daughters. It would also make for a wonderful read aloud. The story imparts valuable lessons in optimism, hope, the worth of hard work, the significance of good morals and values, and the ability to overcome adversity. I absolutely love all of these elements in a novel.

My Rating: A simple and sweet story.

An engaging read, but Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm comes in a distant second compared to Anne of Green Gables.

As I was reading, there were numerous occasions I encountered distinct similarities between the two characters. However, in each case I favored Anne over Rebecca.

One of the reasons I found myself preferring Anne is due to her friendship with Diana as opposed to Rebecca's friendship with Emma Jane. When the Rebecca character became "bosom friends" with Emma Jane, it wasn't out of any genuine desire, but rather because there weren't any other more appealing choices. Wiggins seemed so enamored with her character that everyone else paled in comparison. There was an obvious sense of superiority. Consequently, I interpreted the character of Rebecca as condescending. She simply isn't as loveable or as fallible as Anne.

To be fair, it has been several years since I last read Anne of Green Gables. I am currently in the process of re-reading it so that I can conduct a more accurate comparison of the two books rather than relying solely on memory. This will allow me to have a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of both characters and their respective stories.

During this first-time reading of Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, I initially found it extremely challenging to fully enjoy it for its own sake and give it my undivided attention.

If you are a Canadian girl with any sense of literary appreciation, you would have grown up reading Anne of Green Gables, which holds an iconic status in Canada. When you then read Rebecca, which was published five years earlier than Anne of Green Gables, you will be utterly dumbfounded by the numerous similarities.

So, as you can imagine, I read this book while constantly having Anne in the back of my mind. This is by no means an ideal way to be introduced to a book, especially one as charming as Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm!

L.M Montgomery clearly patterned Anne after Rebecca. I truly hope that at some point she publicly acknowledged this, although I realize that might be a rather naive and idealistic wish on my part. I understand that I should be extremely cautious when making any remarks that could be considered objectionable about our highly revered L.M Montgomery. No one holds her in higher esteem than I do, so I won't dwell on this topic too much more. However, I would like to point out a wonderful article that outlines the many similarities between Rebecca and Anne: http://canadianicon.org/table-of-cont....

Once I came to terms with the similarities, I realized that this is a book that is truly worthy of admiration and emulation! I absolutely adored it! I was also able to notice quite a few differences. Kate Douglas Wiggin seems to be more at ease with her faith, and I loved the depth that this added to Rebecca's character.

This is the second book I've read by KDW, and both of them deserve a five-star rating. I wonder how difficult it will be to get my hands on more of her works? I'm certain that the effort will be well worth it!

Book - 4 stars

The book under review has received a solid 4-star rating. It offers a captivating story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The plot is well-developed, with interesting characters and unexpected twists that add depth and excitement. The author has done a great job of creating a vivid and immersive world that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are a part of the story.

Narration by Lorna Raver - 4 stars

Lorna Raver's narration of the book is also worthy of praise. Her voice is clear and engaging, and she does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. She uses different voices and accents for each character, which helps to distinguish them and make them more believable. Her pacing is also恰到好处, adding to the overall tension and excitement of the story. Overall, Lorna Raver's narration is a great addition to an already excellent book.

I wasn't sure I would like this book at first. I had my reservations. I didn't like that she was sent away from her family. It really bothered me. But as I delved deeper and understood the motives better, my perspective started to change. And I really hated the way Rebecca was treated. The old-fashioned strictness was just too much for me. It truly bothered me.

However, by the end of the book, I had completely fallen in love with it. Just like Rebecca, I was able to find it in my heart to forgive the aunt. I adored the relationships that developed throughout the story and the character of Rebecca herself. She was so endearing.

I especially loved how much she loved to read. It was such a strong part of her character. It was inspiring. I also loved the service, selfless giving, and sacrifice that was shown by many characters throughout the entire book. It really tugged at my heartstrings. It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, but this book was more suitable for a younger audience. In my opinion, that was a very good thing.

Rebecca Randall is the young protagonist at the heart of this classic coming-of-age novel.

She lives on the idyllic Sunnybrook Farm with her six siblings and widowed mother. At the age of nine, she is sent to live with her two elderly aunts in Riverboro, Maine. In return for her help, they will provide her with room and board, a proper wardrobe, and ensure she gets an education. Her mother hopes this will be "the making of Rebecca." The novel follows Rebecca's journey through young adulthood.

This classic is such a delight! I had seen the Shirley Temple movie several times as a child but never read the book. Although the novel is very different from Temple's movie, Rebecca's irrepressible character remains the same. First published in 1903, it is mainly set in the late 19th century.

From the moment she boards the stagecoach as the sole passenger, Rebecca charms and entertains. She is always curious, constantly on the move, always exploring, and chatting non-stop. She makes friends easily, whether it's with the elderly coach driver or the girls and boys in her school. She makes mistakes and gets into mischief (as every child does!), but she even wins over her irascible oldest aunt, Miranda.

I wish Wiggin had written a sequel. I would definitely read more about Rebecca as a young woman. She is just as engaging and interesting as Anne Shirley (of Green Gables), who was brought to life by L.M. Montgomery about five years after Rebecca Randall's debut.

Classic children's books? They are pretty rare in my reading. This particular book, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm", is as American a children's book as it can get. Written at the turn of the previous century, one shouldn't expect any diversity here. However, the story is truly heartwarming.

It unfolds in a slow and moving manner, with some of the passages being exquisite meditation. In this book, Wiggin has created one of the most memorable characters in Rebecca. True, she can seemingly do nothing wrong. But then again, this is fiction, isn't it? We can allow our heroines to be perfect in the fictional world, especially when we make plenty of mistakes in real life.

The introduction of Rebecca's benefactor, Adam Ladd, was a bit creepy for me. The guy takes an extremely keen interest in her from the time she was a child and he was in his 30's. It was just so creepy.

But despite my misgivings about certain aspects, none of my musings should detract from the fact that this is a delightful read in many other places. This is the sort of book that you want to spend time with slowly. It could be by a brook, on a warm, sunny day. Or, as is my personal preference, on a cold, sunny day when you can curl up with a blanket and lose yourself in the charming world of Rebecca.

Having always had a deep love for the “Anne of Green Gables” books, I had, somewhat surprisingly, overlooked this particular classic. However, upon finally reading it, I was met with disappointment. It turned out that this book was yet another story following a similar pattern, lacking the inherent sweetness and fun that had made Anne so incredibly popular. Perhaps, if I had read this one prior to Lucy Maude Montgomery’s other trilogy, “Emily of New Moon,” my perception might have been different and I would have liked it better.

Rebecca departs from the family-owned farm that she affectionately christened “Sunnybrook” and comes to live with her two elderly aunts, who, truth be told, did not really want her. They had been anticipating the arrival of her older and more sensible sister, Hannah. Rebecca is a dreamer, yet she also has a practical side. Although she makes mistakes, such as leaning on a freshly painted fence and accidentally throwing her beloved parasol down the well, she quickly outgrows these youthful blunders. The boy at school who takes a fancy to Rebecca is not a cheeky trickster but rather “Seesaw” Simpson, so named because he can never seem to make up his mind. The plot of the story is rather predictable, and Rebecca, while sweet, is a somewhat dull character.

If you are in search of another book that closely resembles “Anne of Green Gables,” then by all means, give this one a read. However, if you are seeking something different for girls, I would highly recommend trying “Heidi” or “What Katy Did”!