favorite quote "I think I would rather have a cat than a sweetheart, after all. They are less trouble..." ( )

A well-written coming of age story.
Joan lives on a farm with her father and brothers. Her two most important influences are her mother, now dead, and her teacher, both of whom plant in her the idea that she can make something of herself. She adores reading and soaks up knowledge like a sponge. As it becomes clear to her that her emotionally abusive father is not going to soften and that her life has no hope of changing if she stays where she is, she takes a bold step and a bid for a better future.

This is a bit long for a YA book, but it held my interest throughout. It had a unexpected amount of religion in the plot, as Joan is Catholic and the family she gets acquainted with is Jewish, so there are themes of religious persecution and tolerance discussed.
Mostly what I like in Joan is her thrill in reading and learning, and her determination to hold on to some kind of self-respect even when outward circumstances seem to take her dignity from her. ( )

The premise of a Catholic farm girl who ends up as a house maid for a Jewish family made this book an intriguing bit of YA fiction that provides a different perspective from other books. However, the main character, Joan, was a bit too precocious and self-consciously virtuous for my taste. She had flaws, but they were generally of the "naive attempt to do good goes wrong" variety. Also, without spoiling, I'll say that I was not a fan of the plot elements that drove the climax. This isn't to say that the book was bad — I enjoyed reading it for the most part. However, I don't think this will be one that sticks with me. ( )

The wonderful memoir-style story of a stubborn, intelligent girl making her way in 1911. The story is full of thoughtful moments -- about religion, self-determination, confidence, meddling (and consequences), love, education and hard, hard work. Inspiring and excellent in pacing, characters and a beautifully immersive setting. One cannot help but admire Joan's spirit, even as we cringe at her mistakes, innocent and honest though they may be. Hard to put down.

Also, Joan's commentary on why a cat is better than a sweetheart is hilarious -- ultimately there is a lack of fur that just can't be got around. :) ( )

Joan runs away from home at age 14 to become a hired girl in 1911.

Life with her unpleasant father and brothers on their farm in Pennsylvania is rough. Knowing she is not loved, she sees escape when she learns that the going rate for a hired girl in the city is $6 a week. She lands in Baltimore over her head and is rescued by the Rosenbachs. A large young woman, Joan presents herself as Janet, 18, impressing Mrs. Rosenbach with her love of reading, quickly making herself indispensable to the aging housekeeper, and landing a job as a hired girl and “Shabbos goy.” Joan is smart, hardworking, and naïve, but most of all, she’s romantic, thanks in large part to all those novels. The Rosenbachs’ flirty son David seems to love her both for her mind and—as an aspiring artist—her looks. “Tall and robust and wholesome looking. You’re like one of Michelangelo’s Sibyls—a grand, bareheaded creature.” Trouble ensues, but a happy ending awaits, with friendship and the awesome glint of an independent life. The diary format allows Joan’s romantic tendencies full rein, as well as narrative latitude for a few highly improbable scenarios and wildly silly passion.

Tons of period details, especially about clothing, round out a highly satisfying and smart breast-clutcher from this Newbery-winning author. (Historical fiction. 10-14)