December Books, Day One: From Anna

From Anna, by Jean Little and published in 1972, is not technically a Christmas book, but the last several chapters are set at Christmas time, and are about the difficulties of finding something to give your family during tough times.

"What in the world can Anna give them?" Gretchen was the one who put it into words.

"Oh, she doesn't count. She's only nine," Rudi said too quickly. Staring up at the ceiling, suddenly he started to whistle.

He was wrong about her not counting. With Ben she counted. With Isobel. With papa. With Miss Williams. Anna knew that. But the words still flicked at her in a way that hurt.

Still, could she make a Christmas present for her parents? Rudi could earn money easily. He said so himself. And Gretchen knitted almost as well as Mama. The twins, Anna was sure, would find a way.

They are full of imagination, she thought.

She alone could do nothing....

"Can I make a present?" she asked the girl in the mirror. "How can I earn money? A lot of money!" she added recklessly.

She might as well make her wishes big.