"Nelly; or, The Best Inheritance" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a heartwarming story set in the late 1800s about a young girl's journey out of poverty. Nelly Ryan, only thirteen, feels trapped by her circumstances, especially when she sees wealthier girls. The novel shows how tough she is, how important getting an education is, and how important it is to respect yourself, no matter what. Even though Nelly's life is hard taking care of a cow and her grumpy grandmother, a small act of kindness from a stranger gives her hope and makes her want to change her life for the better as Nelly decides to tidy herself up and sets her sights on a brighter future through education.

Nelly : $b or, The best inheritance.
By Lucy Ellen Guernsey
A poor young girl finds hope and determines to rise above her difficult life through education and self-respect after a simple act of kindness changes everything.
Summary
About the AuthorLucy Ellen Guernsey was a 19th-century American author who lived in Rochester, New York. She was a strong proponent of early education and moral development in children, although she never had children of her own. Throughout her most productive years (1855β85) she wrote over 60 novels, most of which were published by the American Sunday School Union. She was an active member of the Rochester community; she founded the first sewing school for working-class children and was involved establishing the Home for Aged Women. She edited a popular religious publication, The Parish Visitor, taught an adult biblical class for Sunday School, and was the president of the Christ Church Missionary Society (1881β85).
Lucy Ellen Guernsey was a 19th-century American author who lived in Rochester, New York. She was a strong proponent of early education and moral development in children, although she never had children of her own. Throughout her most productive years (1855β85) she wrote over 60 novels, most of which were published by the American Sunday School Union. She was an active member of the Rochester community; she founded the first sewing school for working-class children and was involved establishing the Home for Aged Women. She edited a popular religious publication, The Parish Visitor, taught an adult biblical class for Sunday School, and was the president of the Christ Church Missionary Society (1881β85).