"Smiles": A Book of Recitations for Girls

"Smiles: A Book of Recitations for Girls" by Alice Lewis Richards is a delightful treasury of verses crafted for young girls, probably in the late 1800s. This collection aims to equip girls with diverse speaking pieces perfect for different events, giving them opportunities to hone their public presentation skills. These recitations usually center on childhood adventures, the natural world, and simple moral teachings. The book is full of short poems and speeches that examine a young girl's world, including her bonds with loved ones, her engagement with nature, and her make-believe games. Every selection provides familiar situations, like the happiness of having a beloved animal, the simplicity of child's play, and the moving shift from youth to adulthood. The anthology inspires girls to communicate their feelings and ideas, promoting creativity and personal expression using the art of recitation; overall, it acts as both a learning resource and a fascinating investigation into the nature of girlhood.