Hitty: Her First Hundred Years - Newbery Medal Winner, 1929. Illustrated

Hitty: Her First Hundred Years by Rachel Field is a charming and imaginative novel that brings to life the extraordinary adventures of a small wooden doll over the course of a century. Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1930, the book offers a unique perspective on history, culture, and human nature—told entirely through the voice of Hitty, a hand-carved doll made in early 19th-century Maine. Hitty recounts her many travels as she passes from owner to owner, journeying across America and even overseas to India and the South Seas. Along the way, she finds herself in the company of sea captains, missionaries, little girls from various backgrounds, and even literary circles. Each chapter reveals a new era, a new culture, and new challenges, making the story both entertaining and educational. Rachel Field’s storytelling is witty, elegant, and full of period detail, while Dorothy P. Lathrop’s original illustrations add charm and personality to Hitty’s tale. The novel celebrates resilience, curiosity, and the quiet wisdom that comes from observation and experience. Hitty: Her First Hundred Years is a timeless classic that continues to delight readers of all ages with its blend of history, humor, and heart.