109 pages 3 hours read

Katherine Paterson

Lyddie

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1991

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Lyddie by Katherine Paterson follows a determined young girl named Lyddie Worthen in 1843 Vermont, who, after being ousted from her home, works in a Lowell, Massachusetts factory to reunite her family and reclaim their farm. The novel explores themes of perseverance, labor exploitation, and the fight for independence as Lyddie navigates the hardships of industrial life and her evolving dreams. This novel contains depictions of children experiencing hunger, poverty, and neglect, as well as themes of corporate exploitation, enslavement, and sexual assault.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Lyddie by Katherine Paterson receives praise for its compelling historical setting and strong protagonist, whose journey inspires readers. Critics appreciate the depiction of 19th-century mill life and its social issues. However, some find the pacing uneven and certain plot elements predictable. Overall, it’s a valuable read for its historical insight and character depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lyddie?

Readers who appreciate Lyddie by Katherine Paterson are typically young adults who enjoy historical fiction with strong, resilient protagonists. Fans of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder or Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan will likely find Lyddie appealing for its rich historical context and inspiring character journey.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

860L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Family

Topics

History: U.S.

Poverty

Education

Period

Industrial Revolution