The Contest

Caroline Stellings

Rosy Taylor was almost twelve years old, and her favorite book ever was Anne of Green Gables. Her problem was she came from a poor family that did not have the money for books, so Rosy’s only copy was very used and missing a full 37 pages. There was a solution to her dilemma, however. There was soon going to be a contest, the Anne of Green Gables Look Alike Contest, and the first prize was a boxed set of all eight books in the Anne series by L.M. Montgomery and a sterling silver trophy. The contest would be a challenge for Rosy because her family did not have the resources to help with the required costume, nor a vehicle to get to the neighboring town where the contest was to be held. There was one other issue for Rosy; she was half Mohawk. Fortunately, for Rosy, she was a very determined young girl and she was not one to give up easily. Other obstacles did come her way; another young girl who was the spitting image of Anne of Green Gables was also competing in the contest, Rosy had a serious asthma attack that landed her in the hospital for a week just before the contest, and the vehicle taking Rosy and her family to the contest had a serious breakdown. Yet, Rosy was seriously determined. With an unbreakable spirit, Rosy persevered and was one of five girls standing on the stage, who would win, and what lessons would Rosy learn?

This is a great story of a young girl’s determination and spirit. The fact that Rosy was half Mohawk and came from a poor family should be an inspiration to any reader. I found this to be a fast read and should be in any library, personal, public or school.

BIBLIO: 2009, 7th Generation / Book Publishing Co., Ages 9 - 13, $9.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-9779183-5-5

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09