The Saturdays (novel) facts for kids
First edition dustjacket with Enright artwork
|
|
| Author | Elizabeth Enright |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Enright |
| Country | United States |
| Series | Melendy family |
| Genre | Realistic children's fiction |
| Publisher | Farrar & Rinehart |
|
Publication date
|
1941 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 175 pp. |
| OCLC | 172840 |
| LC Class | PZ7.E724 Sat |
| Followed by | The Four-Story Mistake |
The Saturdays is a fun children's book. It was written and drawn by Elizabeth Enright. The book came out in 1941. It's the first of four books about the Melendy family. This story introduces four kids. They decide to make their Saturdays exciting. They pool their money. Then they take turns having cool adventures. This all happens in New York City before World War II.
In 2012, The Saturdays was named a top children's novel. It ranked 75th in a survey by School Library Journal. This was one of three books by Elizabeth Enright in the top 100.
Meet the Melendy Family
The Melendy children live in a brownstone house. It is located in New York City. They live with their dad. He is a professor. Their kind housekeeper, Cuffy, also lives with them.
- Mona is thirteen years old. She dreams of becoming an actress.
- Rush is twelve. He loves to play the piano. He is a bit mischievous.
- Miranda "Randy" is ten. She enjoys dancing and painting.
- Oliver is the youngest at six. He is a thoughtful boy.
The Saturday Adventure Club
The Melendy kids were tired of boring Saturdays. They also wished for more allowance money. Randy had a great idea. She suggested starting a club. They called it the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club (I.S.A.A.C.).
The club's plan was simple. They would put all their allowance money together. Then, each Saturday, one child would get to spend all the money. This way, each child could have at least one amazing Saturday.
Exciting Adventures Begin
Soon, I.S.A.A.C. was up and running. Every Saturday became special. Each Melendy child got to do exactly what they wanted. They also learned new things along the way.
- Randy made a new friend. She met an old lady. This lady had a surprising past.
- Rush found a stray dog. He brought the dog home to join the family.
- Mona took a big step. She did something that surprised her family. It was her first step into growing up.
But then Oliver wanted his turn. He wanted to go out on his own too. The older kids started to worry. They wondered if he was too young for a solo adventure.
