Heidi
Book - 1998
A Swiss orphan is heartbroken when she must leave her beloved grandfather and their happy home in the mountains to go to school and to care for an invalid girl in the city.
Publisher:
New York : Children's Classics, 1998, c1986
ISBN:
9780517189672
0517189674
0517189674
Characteristics:
349 p. : ill. ; 22 cm


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Add a CommentWhat does the word “home” mean to you? In the book Heidi, Johanna Spyri uses a bright, young protagonist and the pristine setting of the Swiss Alps to explore the universal meaning of home. Heidi, a 5-year old orphan who is abruptly deposited at the doorstep of her grouchy grandfather’s remote mountain cottage, develops her own understanding of home as she grows up. From frolicking with goats on mountain slopes to mansions in the city, Heidi begins to understand the indelible bond between people and place. The different people she meets teach her about faith, acceptance, and love, while the different places she lives teach her about freedom, discovery, and courage.
In a book that seamlessly weaves the biblical story of the Prodigal Son with beautiful descriptions of mountain views, readers become participants in several joyful homecomings. Although initial perceptions may simply categorize this book as a carefree story about a young Swiss girl, close reading reveals this novel to be as complex and breathtaking as the setting it describes. From its first publication in 1880, this cozy novel has spanned generations and countries while retaining its relevance for modern readers as we all yearn for our own home sweet homes.
Reviewed by Ms. Tamara
I found Heidi to be a charming novel. The characters were all likeable, and I was able to grow an emotional connection with them all. I commend the author on being able to describe the setting, which brought me to the mountains, where Heidi and her grandfather live. Although it is not my favourite classic novel, I would still recommend it to other readers. It is the perfect length, and a light read. I found the story line to be very enjoyable, and well-developed. The novel wasn’t too slow moving, but still focused enough on character development, which is very important. I think that you will fall in love with Heidi, and enjoy reading about her adventures! @PenelopeScriptor of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library
Heidi is a must-read classic that you will fall in love with after reading a couple of pages! It is a marvelous book. My favorite character and yours too after you read it is the kind-hearted, fearless and playful Heidi, who will inspire you to be caring towards others and have selflessness. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Heidi saved up all her soft, white rolls for Grandma so that she wouldn’t have to chew the hard bread. The book talks about relationships and feelings between the characters, which we all experience and can relate too. The relationship between Heidi and her grandfather was unquestionably powerful, while the connection between Heidi and Peter was great too until Clara came along. Heidi taught me a great lesson and that is if you want a friend then you have to be a friend first. Heidi was written over in the 1800s but people of all ages can amazingly still relate to Heidi's life-story today just as well in the 1800s. 5/5. @TheBookWorm of the Hamilton Public Library Teen Review Board.
Not clear if this book is the real thing or an condensed version because the descriptions say both. The second Heidi listed appears to be condensed because a second author is listed.
I loved reading this book with my Mom.
This is not the FULL original version of the book. Might work if you want just a short story for young children.
I like this book just not much.
This book was truly amazing and inspiring