Here is what I would consider an ideal example of what Charlotte Mason called a "living" book. Several years ago, I stumbled upon the Cherry Ames series, and began collecting volumes as I find them in thrift stores, Goodwill, or even through a rare deal online. They captivate adults as well as children, and my 8-year-old and I have delighted in them for over a year.
Nancy Drew aficionados will savor this series. Although Cherry is a nurse and not a detective, there is usually an element of mystery woven into the plot. As in Nancy Drew books, the author brings readers to a high level of vocabulary and information, rather than talking "down" to children as modern literature tends to do. Cherry is a winsome protagonist, a jovial caregiver who goes the extra mile for her patients.
Veteran's Nurse, book six in the series, has Cherry occupied at a rehabilitation hospital for convalescing soldiers following World War II. Written in 1946, this book captures the mood of our country at the time, and shows the challenges faced by nurses seeking to aid wounded soldiers in fitting back into civilian life. Forget impersonal textbooks or lists of facts; Veteran's Nurse will suffice in piquing young peoples' interest in this rich historical era.
Charlotte's goal in teaching history, science, and literature through living books was to make it come alive for students, to give them a reason to care about and enjoy the subject. Dry dates will never spark curiosity, but I am begged countless times for "one more chapter!" of a living book. It's a much more gratifying experience for the teacher and/or parent as well.
Cherry Ames is also an ideal role model for kids interested in nursing or the medical field. Again, details are rich in vocabulary and terminology. These books teach about "probies," the capping ceremony, the psychology used in dealing with patients from children to soldiers to senior citizens, a litany of medicines and procedures, and the hierarchy and methods involved in daily hospital performance. Readers will discover the stamina required and challenges that come with being a nurse.
Be on the lookout for Cherry Ames. She is a well-kept secret worth dusting off, even for adults seeking leisurely evening or beach reading. Early books were published with plain brownish-red covers, so keep your eyes peeled when digging through Goodwill bins. Visitors to my house will see copies of Cherry's series all throughout, as she has become a regular with us.
Thanks for the tip! The series sounds delightful!
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