Pollyanna Grows Up

"Pollyanna Grows Up" by Eleanor H. Porter is a story about Pollyanna Whittier, a girl known for her unrelenting optimism, as she navigates the challenges of growing older and faces new relationships that put her positive attitude to the test. Starting with the introduction of Della Wetherby, Pollyanna’s sister-in-law, the story immediately sets the scene for Pollyanna to positively affect Mrs. Carew's life, who's struggling with deep sadness after her son's death. Della suggests they invite Pollyanna, hoping her cheerful nature and "glad game," in which she finds joy in every situation, might lift Mrs. Carew's spirits and help her to emerge from her unhappiness. This sets the stage for Pollyanna's arrival, where she seeks to spread joy in a challenging environment.