Loosely based on Stratton-Porter’s own childhood, Laddie is a double tale — the classic poor-boy/rich-girl romance and the story of a child of nature and her idyllic childhood.
Based on the author’s own life, this book tells the story of ‘little sister’. The youngest of eleven, she is unwanted in the beginning. The brother who loved her most, and whom she loved most in the world, is Laddie. She is almost lonely, and it’s hard for her to study, so her comfort is nature. In an unforgettable way, which is funny and sad, little sister tells us her story.
‘Have I got a Little Sister anywhere in this house?’ inquired Laddie at the door, in his most coaxing voice. ‘Yes sir, ‘ I answered, dropping the trousers I was making for Hezekiah, my pet bluejay, and running as fast as I could. There was no telling what minute May might take it into her head that she was a little sister and reach him first. Maybe he wanted me to do something for him, and I loved to wait on Laddie.