‘Thursday’s Child’, set shortly after the start of the 20th century, is the story of ten-year-old Margaret, who was left on a vicarage doorstep as a baby. It was written in 1970 so is a historical rather than contemporary novel, and it paints a good picture of life in various contexts from the point of view of a child.

This isn’t a typical Streatfeild book: there are no highly gifted children, at least not until Margaret discovers a talent towards the end. There’s a somewhat unlikely coincidence - although it seems happily believable while immersed in the book - and, being a children’s book, a satisfactory conclusion even though it happens rather quickly and leaves the story open.

I first read this many years ago, but had forgotten the story entirely. Noel Streatfeild has a very readable style, and a gift of characterisation for the children in her novels, even if the adults are rather caricatured.

I doubt if anyone younger than about six or seven would find it very interesting, but a good reader of that age or older might well enjoy it. it would be good as a read-aloud, too, for children who still enjoy a bedtime chapter.

Four and a half stars, really.

Latest longer review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...

I foolishly assumed that just because this book was about the horrors of a turn-of-the-century orphanage & stuff that there wouldn't be any theatre or dancing involved...HAHAHA HOW WRONG I WAS. This is Streatfeild, people, and she won't let you forget it. (Not that I mind either of those things, but her attachment to them in every.single.book amuses me.) Also, it's super predictable and the pacing is weird. But she has some good characters--yay Peter!--and I'm a sucker for orphanage/school stories, for some reason...

Having mainly read the "Shoe" books, this was a little different offering from Noel Streatfeild. Margaret was an adorable, little force of nature but the boys had very little personality in comparison, (but I guess not many people can measure up to feisty Margaret Thursday). This was a quick read for a little glimpse into the past. I do wish there had been a final showdown with Matron and Miss Jones. It was a little anti-climatic to have the fired whilst the kids were away on their adventure. I'm sure Margaret would have had some choice words as a farewell.

Thursday's Child
Noel Streatfeild

I loved Margaret Thursday and her story about being found in the church with three of everything that was all the best quality! Margaret has lived her life so far with people who love her until the money promised fails to show up. She is sent to the orphanage where she and every child there are mistreated and starved. Matron is evil and she and Margaret clash from the start and duke it out until the end of the book.

I love the turn-of-the-century English setting and all the great characters that pitch in to make life better. As for Margaret, she is resilient, brave, and spunky. Such a great little story that I found the second one and read it as well!

5 stars

Happy Reading!

Eh, I love Streatfeild, but I did not enjoy this one. You see, Noel overused the phrase "You see . . ." See? Constantly. Every character used the phrase. It's like a tic that everyone starts catching onto once the first character does it. Perhaps another reader might not notice or mind so much but I notice people's tics and the, "You see" had me climbing the walls after a bit.

This is one of my daughter's favorite books. She wanted to know that I liked it. The storyline was fine. It was charming. The characters were fine and dandy. But, you see, the writing was really distracting.

You see, my daughter is a reluctant reader so I didn't tell her how much this phrase annoyed me. I just told her I liked it. You see, I want her to LOVE reading and find books she loves and this is not a bad one TO love. I just didn't happen to love it myself. You see.

Rather derivative

I still love this book after all this time. Margaret makes a great heroine, and it's such a wonderful story. They sure don't write them like this any more.

Library book

Fijn audioboek, al mag je je niet te veel ergeren aan het aantal keren dat je "I was found in a wicker basket with three of everything, and of the very best quality" te horen krijgt. We zullen de expliciete distanciëring van elke mogelijke associatie met armoede maar steken op het feit dat het boek al 50 jaar oud is, al was het wel heerlijk om de kinderen er op te horen reageren met uitspraken zoals "arm zijn is toch geen schande" en "zo stom, alsof geld je een betere mens maakt". Mijn kinderen zijn de max, ook al zijn ze lang niet zo avontuurlijk als Margaret Thursday.

I read a number of Noel Streatfeild’s books when I was a child (and enjoyed them). I can’t remember if I read Thursday’s Child. It is the story of Margaret Thursday, who is sent to an orphanage at the tender age of 11.

I liked Margaret a lot. She stood up for what she thought was right, and looked after her friends. I enjoyed the story, it was entertaining and the happy ending was satisfying. The story is, of course, slightly old fashioned, having been written some time ago. However, it is charming and well worth a read, and I would think that a lot of children would enjoy it.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I read this as a child many years ago, but it wasn't one of my favourite Streatfeild books. Because of that, I didn't remember anything about the story at all as I came back to it, so everything felt new which was nice. Margaret is one of those insufferable children who overdramatises everything, and yet at the same time you know she is an abandoned orphan and so you have sympathy for her. And whilst she's sometimes a pain, she's also incredibly loyal, and her willingness to take punishment to protect other children in the orphanage is lovely. Margaret isn't the whole focus to the book, however, and I also really like the other three children who feature.

It's very much a story of its time, and it depicts a world where social class is hugely important, and has a massive impact on people's lives, which must seem strange to children reading now. But it really captures this era, and how life was in a large house with staff. My favourite parts, however, are those on the canal. That part of the story is funny, and also absolutely fascinating. I love the talk of the children being leggers, and all the different things you learn about canal life.

This still isn't in the league of Ballet Shoes, but Noel Streatfeild writes really, really engaging stories that are very readable and more-ish.

With thanks to Net Galley for my copy.

Margaret Thursday has always known she was destined for greatness. Raised by a kindhearted family after being found on the steps of a village church as an infant, Margaret lives a happy life even without knowing the identity of her parents. Like clockwork, a mysterious benefactor leaves money for Margaret’s care every year; but when the money suddenly stops arriving, the only solution is to send Margaret to an orphanage. There, she makes new friends and stands up for their right to be respected and cared for. As an outspoken advocate for herself, Margaret Thursday single handedly takes charge of her life and steps into a role that is ideal for her.

A re-release of a story written by the late Noel Streatfeild, this book is written in a style reminiscent of Oliver Twist or The Secret Garden. Margaret and her companions speak in an elevated, proper linguistic style, and the story focuses more on character interaction than plot advancement. Short chapters help middle grade readers navigate through the narrative, often incorporating perspectives from various characters to enhance the readers’ understanding of the events in the story. Though slow moving at the beginning, the pacing picks up as Margaret's adventure progresses.

An assortment of interconnected characters is introduced throughout the narrative, each one with a unique connection to Margaret Thursday. Some are drawn to her independence, while others are markedly upset by her impertinence because it thwarts their perceived authority. Margaret cares nothing for anyone else’s opinion, however, and she believes that her mysterious origin means that she matters just as she is. Throughout the story, Margaret is a uniting feature, inspiring change and action by her own behavior and ensuring those around her have a voice, as well.

Readers who enjoy stories set in an early twentieth century English context will appreciate the design of this book. A strong heroine and the age-old conflict of good versus evil make for an engaging story, even if the delivery takes time to get going. The first in a series, Margaret’s adventure continues in a second installment in which readers will learn more about what happens to Margaret after this book ends. This unique adventure is one that will inspire readers to support those less fortunate, and it is an intriguing addition to libraries for middle grade readers.