4.5 stars.

I have loved the Disney movie version of this book for quite a long time, so of course I needed to read the book. Like many adaptations, there are differences between the two formats, but I still felt at the end like the movie I love really did a good representation of the novel.

Pollyanna is like a slightly less mature Anne Shirley and she is utterly adorable. I loved the narrative and her character (though I can see why some readers can find her absolute cheeriness a bit grating). The novel does focus more on the Pollyanna/Polly relationship more than is given in the movie version and I felt that gave things even more heart. The contrast and tension between her and Aunt Polly is well done and I enjoyed reading through the evolution of their relationship.

The writing is comfortable and moves quickly. It is a perfect middle grade level read and balances a happy story with some definite hardships. It may be a little dated, but still holds great messages and a truly wholesome narrative.