Pollyanna is all alone in the world, except for her cold and demanding aunt. And life in the small New England town is very different than in the West where Pollyanna grew up. Aunt Polly isn't used to children. . .or slammed doors or missed meals or any of the troublesome adventures that Pollyanna gets into. Will she ever accept this unexpected niece of hers, everyone wonders. But Pollyanna has a secret weapon, almost the only thing her father has left her. Soon the whole town will be playing the game that Pollyanna lives by. But will it help Pollyanna herself when her very life hangs in the balance?

A classic from childhood. Actually, I remember the movie better, with Haley Mills as Pollyanna (I think).

The classic plot of poor little wonderful girl who becomes an orphan, moves in with an unsympathetic relation (aunt), and gradually turns the cold hard woman into a loving person. All the while, making friends with everyone in town, all of whom love her.

Tragic accident, misery, eventual recovery.

It is a wonderful book, full of optimism, happiness and a positive mental outlook. I recommend it to anyone who needs a lift and is tired of violence, misery, gratuitous sex and profanity.

Pollyanna goes to live with her Aunt Polly when her dear father dies. Pollyanna plays a game her father taught her called the Glad Game. She teaches it to everyone she meets and has a profound effect on the people of the town. She changes lives for the better no matter where she turns. One day Pollyanna gets hurt quite severly and it is the townspeople's turn to take care of her.

Students will fall in love with Pollyanna and her story. She is brutally honest and eager to help everyone. They will like the fact that she can remain positive in spite of all of the trouble she gets into. Great for character analysis and author's purpose. ( )

Genre: Realistic/Historical Fiction
Review: This is a great example of realistic fiction. The main character Pollyanna draws you into the story and makes you believe in her world. You quickly understand the time and setting of the book and the plot is very believable. ( )

Summary: Pollyanna is an orphan living with her cold and demanding aunt. Pollyanna teaches the whole town "the Glad Game", a game she lives by.