Thimble Summer

Elizabeth Enright's Newbery-winning "Thimble Summer" transports readers to a Depression-era Wisconsin farm, where nine-year-old Garnet Linden discovers a silver thimble that she believes ends a devastating drought. This charming chapter book follows Garnet through a summer filled with adventures, including the arrival of an orphan boy, Eric, who becomes part of the family, the rebuilding of their barn, and the excitement of the county fair where her pig, Timmy, wins a blue ribbon. It's a heartwarming story about the power of belief, the resilience of a family, and the simple joys of childhood, perfect for early to late elementary readers. The book gently explores themes of family, friendship, and the wonder of everyday life, offering a comforting and nostalgic read.

A few hours after nine-year-old Garnet Linden finds a silver thimble in the dried-up riverbed, the rains come and end the long drought on the farm. The rains bring safety for the crops and the livestock, and money for Garnet's father. Garnet can't help feeling that the thimble is a magic talisman, for the summer proves to be interesting and exciting in so many different ways.There is the arrival of Eric, an orphan who becomes a member of the Linden family; the building of a new barn; and the county fair at which Garnet's carefully tended pig, Timmy, wins a blue ribbon. Every day brings adventure of some kind to Garnet and her best friend, Citronella. As far as Garnet is concerned, the thimble is responsible for each good thing that happens during this magic summer-- her thimble summer.