The Poor Little Rich Girl, Eleanor Gates (1912)

“I’m seven today,” Gwendolyn went on, “So I am going to walk. I haven’t walked for a whole, whole week. ” “You can lean back in the car,” said Nurse Jane, “and pretend you’re a grand little Queen!” “I don’t WANT to be a Queen. I want to WALK.” “Rich little girls don’t hike along …

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The Horse and his Boy, CS Lewis (1954)

“I’m a free Narnian.”“We’re free Narnians.”“He was a free Narnian horse.“ “I have been longing to go to the North all my life.” “Of course you have. That’s because of the blood that’s in you. I’m sure you’re true Northern stock.” For a series of books written for children CS Lewis sure doesn’t sugar-coat childhood. …

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, CS Lewis (1950)

None of the children knew who Aslan was. At [his name] each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy …

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The Moonstone Castle Mystery, Carolyn Keene (1963)

Bess and George were always interested in observing Nancy’s sleuthing procedures. They often wondered whether it was her charm, her straightforward manner, or her businesslike approach that unfailingly gained her entrance to offices and officials. Now, with little explanation on her part, the girls were ushered into the president’s office. I am house sitting for …

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Dogsbody, Diana Wynne Jones (1975)

Do listen to this, Leo! It’s about the Dog Star. Sirius, Alpha Canis Major, often called the Dog Star, is only some eight and a half light-years distant from our Solar System…its brightness and characteristic green color make it a notable object in our winter sky…It’s exactly right for you! Oh–and you’ve got a Companion …

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