[My apologies if you already read this post a few weeks ago. I thought it was published but now found it in my drafts folder - along with several others that were automatically deleted based on false accusations but reinstated once reviewed.]
A pen-pal/friend (with whom I have worked on LibriVox since my first book) brought this children's book to my attention as one she had wished to personally record. While that was not possible for her at this time, she really wanted to get it into the hands of listeners - thinking it could be a special resource for families who are spending more time at home now. We were able to get it completed with the help of other volunteers - thanks to the typed version of this public domain text shared with us by isabellamacdonaldalden.com.
Book summary:
Twelve year old Helen is determined to be a good girl, but the harder she tries, the worse her days go. Is there any hope? And what made such a change in the life of her grown-up brother in the seven years he was away from home? Little do the Lesters know what a pivotal year this will be in each of their lives.
The story behind the story:
"Pansy" is the pen-name of Isabella MacDonald Alden. (1841-1930)
When a friend urged her to submit the manuscript to a contest sponsored by the American Reform Tract and Book Society of Cincinnati, Ohio, her response was, "I'll do no such thing. If I can't write a better story than that, it proves that I ought never to write at all. Tear the thing into bits and throw it in the grate with the other rubbish. I'll set fire to them to-night."
Without her knowledge, this friend sent in the manuscript. Two months later, Isabella was stunned to learn her that first book was to be published. (1865)
"I like to recall the reason why it won the fifty dollar prize. Because, in the opinion of the committee of award it met the condition imposed by the grand old Christian gentleman who offered the prize. It was to be given for the manuscript that would best explain God's plan of salvation, so plainly that quite young readers would have no difficulty in following its teachings if they would, and so winsomely that some of them might be moved to take Jesus Christ for their Saviour and Friend."
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