The Wonder Child
This novel tells the story of a young girl who is born with exceptional abilities and intelligence. She grows up to be a brilliant and charismatic individual, but her unique gifts also make her an outcast among her peers. As she navigates her way through life, she faces numerous challenges and obstacles that test her resolve and force her to confront the darker aspects of human nature. Despite these difficulties, she remains determined to use her talents for good and to make a positive impact on the world around her. Throughout the novel, themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of one's actions are explored in depth. The story raises important questions about what it means to be exceptional, and whether such gifts are a blessing or a curse. Ultimately, the novel presents a complex and thought-provoking portrayal of a young woman who must come to terms with her own unique place in the world.
By Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen · First published 1907 · Genre: Folklore, Fantasy, Drama · 5,607 words
First lines
A very common belief in Norway, as in many other lands, is that the seventh child of the seventh child can heal the sick by the laying on of hands. Such a child is therefore called a wonder child. Little Carina Holt was the seventh in a family of eight brothers and sisters, but she grew to be six years old before it became generally known that she was a wonder child. Then people came from afar to see her, bringing their sick with them; and morning after morning, as Mrs. Holt rolled up the shades, she found invalids, seated or standing in the snow, gazing with devout faith and anxious longing toward Carina's window.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wonder Child is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Folklore, Fantasy, Drama, Historical Fiction, Family
- Length: 5,607 words
- Structure: 1 section, 86 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Wonder Child by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen
- 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 The Wonder Child?
- How does this novel by Hjalmar Hjorth Boysen fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Folklore first become important in the reading?
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- The Foster Child Of The Deer by Frank Hamilton Cushing
- A Village Stradivarius by Kate Douglas Wiggin
- A Short Trip Home by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Carl by Frank R. Stockton
- Members Of The Family by Owen Wister
Genres
- Folklore — The story is based on a common belief in Norway about the healing powers of the seventh child of a seventh child, which is a folkloric theme.
- Fantasy — The narrative involves supernatural elements, such as the wonder child's healing abilities, which are central to the plot.
- Drama — The story explores intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, particularly the pastor and his daughter.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and cultural context reflect historical beliefs and practices in Norway, grounding the fantastical elements in a realistic backdrop.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · Children's Literature · Coming-of-Age · Family Drama · Social Commentary · Realism · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Morality Tale · Village Life · Small-Town America