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442 reviews for:

Pollyanna

Eleanor H. Porter

3.82 AVERAGE


A rather rude little girl refuses to acknowledge the pain of others
hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

A sweet story about a young girl who's had a hard knock life but still manages to be ever optimistic and leaves a positive mark on everyone she interacts with. This story has wonderful lessons for children about seeing the best in things and the importance of (found) family. 

It was so heartwarming to see Pollyannas effect on the whole town, especially to those whom no one else knows how to deal with because they are so cross and cantankerous. 

I've seen the Haley Mills movie several times and I couldn't help comparing the two throughout my reading experience: a lot is similar but there are several differences as well. I think the movie showed more of a profound effect on the townspeople and an expanded portrayal of Pollyanna herself. The book did a better job explaining Pollyannas background and her relationship with her aunt. The movie did have a better climax in my opinion. Both are worth watching/reading.

There were a few minor things I didn't care for: talking of a person turning into an angel upon death (not biblical) and a single man asking Pollyanna repeatedly to live with him to adopt her (this may have been fine for the time it was written but just felt pushy and odd to me.)

If you like Anne of Green Gables, this has a similar feel but Anne definitely has a more colorful character and humorous accidents that get her into trouble. Pollyanna has more of a moral message to it.

Content: death of parents (past), death of sibling (past), miscarriage/infant death (briefly mentioned of Pollyannas mother), child injury

Christian faith rating: 1/3



It's a bit saccharine, but it's cute.

The boys in the family thought this sounded boring, but once the audiobook started, they were hooked. A great family read.
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

beautiful and sweet, made me laugh a few times

My all time favorite book . I read it more than 100 times. The first time around 12-13 years old. My first copy had pages falling out...I patched it back together. I think this book "built" me as a human being.

I can't believe that I didn't read this book until I was an adult. Like, why did I never even know it existed? I was crazy about Anne of Green Gables and Little Women. But, oh well. At least I've corrected things now. This is the story of a girl who tries to stay positive in every situation, and who helps others to do the same. She calls her positivity the "Glad Game." Reading this book is a great attitude booster. When I read the things Pollyanna says in the book it made me go, "Oh yeah. I do have things pretty good after all!"

I would one hundred percent recommend this book to any little girl, anyone who likes older books, or anyone who is an Anne Shirley fanatic. (Like me:))

Such a pleasant and positive read!! :):)

A special book indeed!!!