This evening I finished reading Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker.

Downright Dencey was a Newbery runner-up in 1928. I really enjoyed reading the book as it is set in the Quaker community of Nantucket Island shortly after the War of 1812.

The book has wonderful illustrations by Maginel Wright Barney at the start of each chapter.

The story gives good insight into the social structure of the island and an interesting look at life where the men of families were often gone for long periods of time on whaling or merchant ships.

The story centers around Dencey who is a young Quaker girl and Jetsam who is a young boy who lives with an Indian woman who is an outcast. We get a good look at Quaker life and their relation with others both within and without their community.

Caroline Dale Snedeker wrote quite a few books for young people including The Forgotten Daughter which was also a Newbery runner-up in 1934. This novel is set in 2nd century Rome. This book is on my to-read list as it is one of 61 Newbery award winners that I haven’t read yet.

There is also a sequel to Downright Dencey that I would like to read. The Beckoning Road covers the travels of Dencey’s family to Indiana where they join the New Harmony utopian community.

Caroline Dale Snedeker was born in New Harmony in 1871 and was the great-granddaughter of Robert Owen who founded the community.

I look forward to reading more of her works. Like so many other Newbery award winners, reading this one has added a bunch of new books to my to-read list.

Have you read any of her books?

Steven