5 Days of Classic Books for Girls: Heidi by Johanna Spyri
A good classic book can usually move the reader emotionally, which is true for Johanna Spyri’s Heidi, written in 1880. The story of little orphan girl Heidi going to live with her sour grandfather, then leaving again and becoming ill, all while having amazing adventures, paved the way for later books like Pollyanna. (What is it about tragic orphans in classic children’s literature anyway?) Though some may say Heidi is too saccharine with its miraculous happy ending, I disagree. I think little girls are entitled to read some happy endings once in a while and just enjoy a story for the sake of enjoying a story! Big Sis definitely enjoyed this story immensely, both cheering and crying through it all. {It’s only the second book that has ever made her cry, the first being Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.}
Not only does this book move the reader emotionally, it also transports us in our imaginations to the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Heidi’s beloved mountains become almost another character in the book. This makes a great opportunity to incorporate a geography and social studies lesson. The area in Switzerland where the story takes place is referred to as “Heidiland” and is a tourist attraction today! There is even a Heidi House open for tours.
Of course, many movie adaptations have been made of Heidi, though none really compares to the depth of the book. If you only know Heidi from the movies, you’re missing a lot of the story and characterizations. In fact, you’ll probably see an adaptation that drastically changes events from the book! We did watch the movie after reading the book, something we like to do together for fun. Our favorite is the black and white classic starring Shirley Temple. Be ready with a hanky while listening to little Shirley yelling “Grandfather!” while continuing to pass by him in the crowd. *sniff, sniff*
If you enjoy notebooking for literature studies or use the Principle Approach in your homeschool, you can find Heidi notebooking pages at Currclick. HS Highlights offers a lapbook, too.
Heidi teaches lessons about perseverance, hope, and Christian morality. The story of the Prodigal son plays a pivotal role in her Grandfather’s attitude change. In a world where the bestsellers often feature dark themes of death, vampires, and violence, Heidi is a breath of fresh air. If you are looking for a good wholesome read that your daughter is likely to remember for a lifetime, Heidi by Johanna Spyri is an excellent choice.
Additional Resources:
Virtual tour of Heidiland and the Heidi House in Switzerland.
Read the entire 5 Days of Classic Books for Girls series.
I’m honored to be a part of the iHomeschool Network. The members are all sharing their “5 Days of” posts here:
- Homeschooling Through the Holidays: The Relaxed Approach - November 18, 2024
- Thanksgiving Mad Libs for Kids - November 15, 2024
- How Can Music and Movement Be Used in OT to Engage Kids? - November 14, 2024
Heidi was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl, and my daughter has enjoyed it as well. And I totally agree with you that there is nothing wrong with a happy ending in a story for young girls!
Thank you for that shout out! I am just hoping to help others see how easy it is to plan your own unit study.
Do you know that I do not think I have ever read Heidi? I need to remedy that!
I’ve enjoyed the movies, but I’ve never actually read this one myself. My girls have read an abridged version and declared it their favorite book ever. Perhaps I should pull out the real deal this year.
Yes, classic children’s literature often features orphans–Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Anne of Green Gables, and more recently, the Penderwicks (though they’re only half-oprhans since only their mother is dead), etc. I didn’t know that that part of the Alps is called Heidiland–interesting!
Thanks so much for joining in RAT! I hope this is the first of many posts. I’m emailing you the html for the blog button–hopefully that will work!
We read and enjoyed Heidi earlier this school year too!
Alyssa reads Heidi on the way to dance class. She really likes the story so far … she is only on chapter 4. I don’t think I ever read Heidi as a child. We recently rented the movie and watched it together – hence the motivation for Alyssa to read the book. She found it on one of my bookshelves and was shocked. LOL!
I remember reading Heidi when I was a child. I only have one child, a son. I love him inmensely and wouldn’t change him for the world. But I do wish occationally for a little girl to share all my favorite stories with.
Thanks for stopping by! I know what you mean. I feel very blessed to have daughters to share these stories.
Don’t give up. My son brought home Heidi from school and I am reading it aloud to both him and my daughter (and both are very interested)