I loved this book as a young girl and read it several times. The title drew me in, I had and still have a serious runaway imagination. I was intrigued by the setting, both time and place. Hat pins? Don't have a library? People on farms don't eat lunch? These were all new ideas for me. I haven't reread this book in years and even now the details are coming back to me like I read it yesterday. ( )

This is clearly old, so kids won't feel as confused, I think, as they are about some of Cleary's earlier works that are meant to be 'contemporary,' rather they will be more accepting of the dissonance. I wonder who Emily was to Beverly - the book sure does read like a collection of reminiscences, not an invention.

I laughed in so many places, and loved the cheerfulness of it. Reminded me a fair bit of the very special [b:The Golden Name Day|945276|The Golden Name Day (Golden Name Day #1)|Jennie D. Lindquist|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1401996767l/945276._SY75_.jpg|930211]. I almost want to try to make Upside Down Custard Pie, and I will try Pussy-Willow Kitten Valentine's Day cards if I ever see them again (I wonder why I don't; I did as a child). What an exciting time to be alive, when small towns could rally together to set up a library, and only a few owned cars except in the cities, and a child could buy an eggbeater as a special present for Mama.... ( )

Spunky Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in Pitchfork, Oregon at a time when automobiles are brand-new inventions and libraries are a luxury few small towns can afford. Her runaway imagination leads her to bleach a horse, hold a very scary sleepover, and feed the hogs an unusual treat. But can she use her lively mind to help bring a library to Pitchfork?

I found this book as I was cleaning out some boxes. I had always enjoyed reading Beverley Cleary books when I was a child. It was fun rereading these books all over again ( )

I found this book as I was cleaning out some boxes. I had always enjoyed reading Beverley Cleary books when I was a child. It was fun rereading these books all over again ( )