I am searching for a children’s fiction chapter book that I think I read around 1969 or 1970 when I was in fifth or sixth grade. The primary detail that I recall about the book was that the main character was a girl with a really long name of multiple first/middle names. I believe she was a pioneer girl, and I definitely am sure that her names were old fashioned type names, such as Samantha, Jane, Emily, Sarah, etc. though my examples here may not have been the ones. I almost think I remember that the first sentence of the book opened with “My name is . . . . .” The character’s last name may have started with Mc or Mac. I have zero recollection as to what the title or author of this book was. I have some vague memory that the illustration in the book showed her as having braids.
I would absolutely love to re-discover this book and share it with my daughters (who are now in their twenties, but would still get a kick out of it!), and I appreciate any help you may be able to offer.
Well, there’s Sarah Samantha Glossbrenner in The Middle Sister. (More names than that?)
This made me think of the Sid Fleishman books about McBroom where he calls his kids like it’s all one big long name (but there’s more than one child).
Interesting! Thank you.
I remember The Middle Sister! Sarah Samantha and her apple tree! That is another great book from my childhood. Thank you for the suggestion, but unfortunately it is not the one.
Pippi Longstocking, the strongest girl in the world, has the full name of Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim’s Daughter Longstocking.
Love Pippi Longstocking! I had forgotten that she also had a really long and very unique name. Thank you for your suggestion! Sorry that I am just now replying.
Maybe “Little Girl With Seven Names” by Mabel Leigh Hunt?
https://www.semicolonblog.com/?p=26984
Hi, Bonnie –
That’s it!!!!!!! You solved the mystery!!!!! The title certainly sounded right, and I just looked it up on Amazon and the reviews definitely make me think this is The One! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try to get a copy of this dear book. I am really grateful. How did you know? Is it a book you remember from your childhood? I see you posted this on Feb. 9. I’m sorry I am only now checking on it. Thank you again!!! Lorrie
Hi again Bonnie!
I missed the link you provided when I first looked at your comment. The Semicolon blog provides a lot of great information. “Little Girl With Seven Names” is definitely it. Thank you! Lorrie
You’re welcome. No, I’ve never heard of it. I just did some internet searching and somehow found it. Glad I could help. Haven’t checked this forum in awhile, so didn’t realize you’d posted a reply.