About This Book
Strawberry Girl is a Newbery Medal-winning novel by Lois Lenski, first published in 1945. It tells the story of Birdie Boyer and her family as they relocate to the rural Florida backwoods to become strawberry farmers. The book offers a vivid and sympathetic portrayal of the 'Cracker' culture of early 20th-century Florida, based on Lenski's extensive research and personal experiences living within these communities. It explores themes of family resilience, adapting to a new environment, community dynamics, and the hard work of farm life, making it an excellent choice for children aged 8-12 interested in historical fiction and stories of perseverance.
Set in a little-known backwoods region of Florida, Strawberry Girl is the first of the Lenski regional books and the winner of the Newbery award.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Birdie's family show resilience when they face difficulties on the farm or with their neighbors?
2
What are some of the biggest differences between Birdie's new home and what she might have been used to before?
3
The author, Lois Lenski, lived with the 'Cracker' people to write this book. Why do you think it was important for her to do that?
4
How does Birdie contribute to her family's success and happiness?
5
What does this book teach us about community and getting along with people who might be different from us?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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