
Washington's Birthday at Hardyville
"Washington's Birthday at Hardyville" is a short story about a group of children who live in a small town called Hardyville. On Washington's birthday, the children decide to hold a celebration for their town's namesake, George Washington. However, things do not go as planned when they realize that they have misplaced the important documents related to the event. The story follows the children's efforts to find the documents and save the day, while also learning valuable lessons about responsibility and teamwork.
By Annie Fellows Johnston · First published 1909 · Genre: Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 5,071 words
First lines
"BLAME that pig-headed Schmidt!"
Squire Hardy was in the sitting-room talking to his wife. "To think of his kickin' just because the little schoolma'am is bound to celebrate the day! Her askin' for nothing except leave to use the schoolhouse! Confound him! The rest of the Germans'd be patriotic enough -- they are all 'round these parts -- if Schmidt wa'n't so everlastingly down on us, and used his influence with the rest!"
What this Textopian page supports
Washington's Birthday at Hardyville is listed on Textopian as a short story by Annie Fellows Johnston, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Annie Fellows Johnston
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Patriotic Literature
- Length: 5,071 words
- Structure: 1 section, 78 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Washington's Birthday at Hardyville by Annie Fellows Johnston
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Washington's Birthday at Hardyville?
- How does this short story by Annie Fellows Johnston fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Children's Literature — This book is written in a style and language easily understood by children, with themes of adventure that would appeal to a younger audience.
- Historical Fiction — The book is placed in a historical setting with mentions of the figure George Washington and celebration of his birthday.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey to Hardyville, which includes elements of adventure.
- Patriotic Literature — The premise of celebrating Washington's birthday suggests a theme of patriotism which becomes prominent throughout the story.
Tags
historical fiction · American literature · coming of age · young adult · family drama · small town life · holidays · celebrations · traditions · history · culture · social issues
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