| When Jerusha Abbott finds out that a mysterious benefactor is going to send her to college so she can become a writer, she couldn't be more surprised. After all, who would take interest in someone who has spent her entire life in an orphanage? A very strange man, it seems. He doesn't want her to know who he is, he doesn't want to have any contact with her. In exchange for her education, she is to write him a letter every month, letters which he will never answer. Jerusha is still excited by the opportunity. She goes to college and discovers a new world. She learns about history, philosophy, science, etc. She also learns about herself. She never had a chance to really get to know herself. One of her first acts is to change her name to Judy. She forms some firm opinions on women's rights and religion. And, she makes friends. Through it all, she sends letters to the benefactor who she has decided to nickname Daddy Long Legs, on account of his lanky shadow, the only glimpse she had of him. As the years pass, Judy experiences triumphs and setbacks in her education as well as her writing. However, she is not completely happy. She wishes Daddy Long Legs was real family, instead of just someone who won't even answer her letters. She also meets a wealthy man. They spend a lot of time together, and develop feelings, but Judy does not know how to tell him of her background. If only Daddy Long Legs could help her. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1900-1920's Internal struggle/realization? Yes Struggle over Is this an adult or child's book? - Age 11-14 Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - society Setting United States Yes |
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