Polly and the Princess

At the June Holiday Home, breakfast follows a fixed schedule, while the women around the table trade stories, complaints and opinions about their neighbors. Into this settled routine comes Polly Dudley, a doctor's daughter visiting her close friend Juanita Sterling. Miss Sterling feels worn down by illness and worries about growing older. Polly answers her distress with affection, practical suggestions and a set of facial exercises that soon has them laughing together.

Emma C. Dowd's children's novel looks at the lives of women dependent on institutional care through conversations full of irritation, humor and kindness. Polly's friendship with Miss Sterling gives the story a link between generations. Talk of David Collins's jealousy and Doodles's singing brings in the children's friendships, while Polly's praise of Mr. Randolph makes Miss Sterling flustered. Readers interested in older children's fiction will find a story attentive to companionship, everyday dignity and the small exchanges that can change someone's mood.