As a child, I searched the shelves over for a book that would make me feel normal. There aren't many books that can capture the attention of a tree-climbing, river-splashing girl of seven with perpetually scraped up knees. Then Caddie came along, and she has remained with me to this day. I felt like I had a friend. The fact that Caddie's spunk and spirit were universal enough to surpass all time and regions to capture my heart, made this book my favorite. This is the little girl's answer to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. However, I think boys can become just as enraptured with this tale's feelings and experiences through the point of view of Caddie's brothers, Tom and Warren. This is the perfect book to be read aloud and shared with families of all kinds. The human struggle of growth and the human longing for adventure are both celebrated beautifully through the life of Caddie Wooodlawn. You won't soon forget her!