First published 1965
Thankful Curtis has spent her entire life on Bright Island, working alongside her father on their farm and sailing the waters off the Maine coast. She takes after her sea captain grandfather more than her older brothers do. The island suits her perfectly until her sisters-in-law decide she needs proper education on the mainland. At school, Thankful struggles to find her footing. Her wealthy roommate Selina gives her a cold welcome. The charming student Robert confuses her with his casual manner. Mr. Fletcher, her Latin instructor, intimidates her with his sharp comments, though she senses kindness beneath his harsh exterior. Thankful tries to adapt to this foreign environment, but memories of Bright Island call to her constantly. The sun sparkling on familiar waters haunts her thoughts as she navigates the challenges of her new world.
Genres: fiction, family-life, historical-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age, 19th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Bright Island, Maine
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
268 pages · Library Binding · Random House Children's Books