A Little Girl in Old Chicago

"A Little Girl in Old Chicago" by Amanda M. Douglas is a story about a girl named Ruth Gaynor and her father as they start a new life in the growing city of Chicago in the early 1800s. The story follows their lives in a small town, showing what life was like back then. We learn about Ruth through the eyes of Norman Hayne, who remembers the first time he saw her. He tells us about his own home and family, including his loving mom and wild brothers. When Ruth and her father arrive after traveling a long way, Norman's family greets them with kindness, and Norman and Ruth become fast friends. As Ruth tells stories about her past and gets to know the family, we see just how smart and likeable she is. This sets the scene for a story full of friendship, growing up, and the difficulties of living in a city that's still being built.