Elizabeth Enright’s Thimble Summer – 1939 Newbery Award. llustrated

Elizabeth Enright’s Thimble Summer is a timeless coming-of-age story that beautifully captures the spirit of childhood, small-town life, and the quiet magic of everyday adventures. Winner of the 1939 Newbery Medal, this classic novel has charmed generations of readers with its warmth, humor, and vivid storytelling.Set in rural Wisconsin during the Great Depression, the story follows young Garnet Linden, a spirited girl whose summer begins with the discovery of a silver thimble. From that moment on, a series of small but meaningful events unfold—running away from home, helping strangers, surviving a drought—that shape her understanding of life, friendship, and family.Garnet’s world is full of simple pleasures and deep emotional truths, told through Enright’s lyrical prose and a strong sense of place. The story balances imagination and realism, allowing young readers to both escape into Garnet’s world and recognize elements of their own.Thimble Summer remains a gently told yet powerful portrait of growing up, finding one’s place, and embracing the everyday wonders that make childhood unforgettable. A true gem of American children's literature.