
Reach for this book when your child is stepping into a leadership role or struggling with the frustration of trying to change a complex system. It is perfect for the young person who feels overwhelmed by responsibility but wants to lead with empathy rather than authority. Through a series of witty letters, Sallie McBride documents her journey as the new superintendent of an old-fashioned orphanage, transforming it from a bleak institution into a true home. The book navigates themes of social reform, the importance of environment on child development, and the personal growth required to manage a diverse group of people. While written in 1915, its humor and focus on human dignity remain deeply relevant. It is ideal for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) who enjoy historical fiction and stories about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Parents will appreciate the model of a female protagonist who is both intellectually sharp and emotionally vulnerable.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewReflects 1915 views on heredity and class that are dated and potentially offensive today.
Depicts the cold reality of early 20th-century orphanages and child neglect.
The book deals with the institutionalization of children and 'eugenics,' which was a contemporary social science in 1915. The approach is direct but reflects the period's mindset. It addresses poverty and neglect with a secular, reform-minded lens. The resolution is highly hopeful and romantic.
A 12-year-old who loves 'Anne of Green Gables' but is ready for a protagonist with more civic responsibility. It suits a child who enjoys writing, debating, or dreaming of how they would run a school or club better than the adults do.
Parents should be aware of 1910s-era discussions regarding heredity and 'feeble-mindedness.' These scenes require context about how social science has evolved since the book was written. A child expressing that a rule is 'unfair' or 'stupid' and wanting to know the logic behind how organizations are run.
Younger readers (10-11) will focus on the mischievous orphans and Sallie's funny descriptions. Older readers (13-14) will pick up on the feminist undercurrents, the romantic tension, and the ethics of social reform.
Unlike many orphan stories that focus on the child, this focuses on the administrator. It provides a rare 'behind the scenes' look at social change through a comedic, epistolary lens.
Dear Enemy is an epistolary sequel to Daddy-Long-Legs. Sallie McBride, a socialite with a heart of gold and a sharp tongue, takes over the John Grier Home. Through letters to her friends and her 'enemy' (the orphanage doctor), she details her efforts to modernize the facility, improve the children's diets, and find them loving homes while navigating her own romantic complications.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.