Hildegarde's Holiday: A Story for Girls

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24826

Title

Hildegarde's Holiday: A Story for Girls

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A heartwarming tale of resilience and friendship, this story follows Hildegarde Grahame as she nurses her friend Rose back to health after surgery. Together, they visit a convalescent home where Hildegarde finds purpose in caring for sick children. The narrative blends gentle humor, emotional depth, and themes of kindness, making it an uplifting read for young audiences seeking stories of courage and community.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the late 19th century, *Hildegarde's Holiday* by Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards chronicles the transformative summer journey of Hildegarde Grahame and her friend Rose. Following Rose's successful operation at Blank Hospital, the girls travel to the Maine estate of their kinswoman, Miss Wealthy Bond, to aid in Rose's recovery through fresh air and gentle exercise. Upon arrival, Hildegarde feels a profound calling beyond mere leisure; she visits a local hospital to bring flowers and songs to convalescent children. Her compassion is tested when a child dies, yet she finds solace in the resilience of the others. The narrative expands to include eccentric characters like the impoverished old man Galusha Pennypacker, who shares his meager apples with Hildegarde, and the lively, imaginative boy Benny, who was once a patient himself. As the summer progresses, Hildegarde organizes a group of convalescent children to move to a new country home she names "Joyous Gard," inspired by a medieval castle. The novel concludes with the departure of Rose and her brother, leaving Hildegarde to reflect on the fleeting nature of the season and the enduring impact of her acts of kindness. Through its focus on empathy, the healing power of nature, and the bonds formed between the strong and the vulnerable, the book offers a timeless message about the importance of service and joy in daily life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24826.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg24826.epub

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2026-07-04 15:32 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Girls
• Family