109 pages • 3 hours read
Katherine PatersonLyddie
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1991A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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 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
10-14yearsLexile Level
860LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Relationships: Family
History: U.S.
Poverty
Industrial Revolution