Dear Enemy

"Dear Enemy" by Jean Webster is a story about Sallie McBride’s surprising journey to becoming the superintendent of the John Grier Home, an orphanage. The novel follows Sallie as she uses her humor and honesty to face the significant challenge of changing the orphanage from a cold institution into a warm and welcoming home. Overwhelmed by the task and feeling unsure, she works to improve the lives of the children and win over the staff, all while figuring out her own path in life. Through her entertaining letters with her friend Judy, the story shows Sallie's initial doubts about her abilities, her reactions to the orphanage's harsh setting, and her first interactions with the people she now leads. The early descriptions of the cheerless orphanage highlight Sallie’s strong desire to bring happiness to the children, paving the way for her personal development.