Book summary

Based on the experiences of the author's own grandmother, this novel tells the story of Caddie Woodlawn, an 11-year-old girl growing up on the Wisconsin frontier during the 1860s. Caddie lives an unusual life for a girl during this time in American history, as she is encouraged by her father to be a tomboy--to run wild and free with her two brothers and to ignore such typical "ladylike" activities as baking and sewing. Although her mother doesn't entirely approve, Caddie's father decided to raise Caddie in this way as a reaction to the death of another daughter, a frail girl named Mary. He believes that this will help Caddie grow up to be a strong and healthy woman. During the course of the story Caddie has such adventures as facing a quickly spreading prairie fire, going on a hunting expedition with her uncle, and helping avert a war between the settlers and the Native Americans. Although somewhat fictionalized, CADDIE WOODLAWN is an engaging look at life during the American frontier period and is the winner of the 1936 Newbery Medal.