Susan Coolidge 
A Little Country Girl (Annotated) 

• This edition includes the following editor’s introduction: Orphans in 19th Century Literature

First published in 1885, ’A Little Country Girl’ is a juvenile fiction novel by American children’s author Susan Coolidge (
pen name used by Sarah Chauncey Woolsey).



In “A Little Country Girl, ” orphaned Candace makes the first long trip of her young life alone. Everything is new, from the ocean views to the fashionable people she encounters; from the museum-like home to the unfamiliar cousins. How will she adapt to the new experiences, and will she overcome the homesickness she feels? Will she adapt her country ways and enter society, or be an embarrassment to her fine relations? Etiquette and style can be learned; but kindness, common sense and a loving heart are inbred.