Reviews

Five Little Peppers And How They Grew by Margaret Sidney

ashleygsiler's review against another edition

4.0

This is a really sweet, straight forward simple family story that champions family closeness, kindness, and generosity. The Pepper family is very poor, but kind and humble, and is always helped out by their friends and neighbors. Their sweetness of spirit means everyone loves them and wishes to help them, so the dangers they face never seem to put them in real peril. Though it’s easy to get swept up in the sweetness of this book, it was striking to me to realize the depths of the Pepper’s challenges—they all get measles, they are all on the cusp of starvation, they don’t ever get to celebrate holidays, and were it not for a close community network and a long lost wealthy cousin to support them, their story would have ended very differently. This book seems to say that if you work hard, and are always kind, and always loving to your family and neighbors, things will work out for you, which is a sweet sentiment but perhaps one that hasn’t aged very well. Nevertheless this is a charming book, and definitely one worth reading.

cmbohn's review against another edition

3.0

What a difference between children's stories in Victorian time and today. The characters are just so perfect in this one, their plight so tragic, their home life so inspiring, they are so full of pluck and good old-fashioned virtue that you'd think I'd want to hurl. But I finished it anyway. Totally dated, but somehow appealing in spite of, or maybe because of that. I definitely would not want a steady diet of this, but it was a pleasant read.

storiesforhisglory's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This was a re-read, but it's been literally years since I've had the pleasure. Still heart warming and delightful to read. The Pepper children are a delight. I love them all: Ben, Polly, Joel, Davie, and Phronsie! And the rest of the story was just as much fun as I remembered. 

doogysmom's review against another edition

4.0

Loved reading this old-fashioned story of Mamsie and her 5 children.

kailey_luminouslibro's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Pepper family are quite poor, living in a small house in the country. They have five children who all get the measles, and poor little Polly is in serious danger. A kind doctor helps the family and nurses them back to health.
One day little four-year-old Fronzie Pepper is nearly kidnapped and is rescued by Jasper, a boy from a wealthy family on vacation in the country. The two families start up an unlikely friendship, leading to opportunities and adventures for the Pepper family.

This is such a sweet and wholesome story! I love all the cute little Pepper children. The writing is charming, and the story is simple but interesting. I especially loved reading about all the Pepper's preparations for Christmas. They try so much to be grateful for the few little things they have, and they are rewarded for their goodness.

elevetha's review against another edition

3.0

Children 7ish+.

doc_k55's review against another edition

3.0

I remember reading this as a child and really enjoying it. My 13 yo was not a fan, and after re-reading, I understand why - this is written in the voice of another era. The language is different, and there is a positive spin on even the worst moments that we don't see today. There is also a liberal use of exclamation points and pet names that is, shall we say, no longer de rigueur.

That said - this is a classic, and a snapshot of life at the turn of the century. Although the characters are fictional, they were set in the world in which Mrs. Sidney lived - which is to say: a world where children routinely got measles, where an 11 yo worked instead of attending school, where children had a degree of freedom and responsibility no longer seen. It is a snapshot of an earlier time highlighting many things that will be unfamiliar to a modern child: language, names, activities, choices, etc.

Enjoyed it. It was worth the re-read; I had completely forgotten the story.

academianut's review against another edition

3.0

Wow, this is some nostalgia - I remember reading this and looking it as a kid

caleb_m's review against another edition

4.0

i liked it

erinag02's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0