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Cover of The Little Colonel in Arizona

The Little Colonel in Arizona

Written by Annie F. (Annie Fellows) Johnston

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FriendshipBoardinghousesWestern storiesIndians of North AmericaArizonaAmbitionRanch life

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About this book

"The Little Colonel in Arizona" by Annie F. Johnston is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the Ware family, particularly the spirited young Mary Ware, as they relocate from Kansas to Arizona in search of a better life for Mary’s ailing mother. This transition to a new home filled with adventures and challenges provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of family, resilience, and the charm of childhood innocence." "At the start of the book, the Ware family is introduced while they travel on a train to Arizona, where they will live in a boarding camp for invalids, Lee's Ranch. Young Mary quickly becomes an engaging character, captivating fellow travelers with her chatter about her family's move and their past home. She eagerly looks forward to living in a tent and embarking on new adventures, while her older siblings exhibit more apprehension and embarrassment, particularly concerning her outspoken nature. The family's dynamic is highlighted through the interactions between the siblings and their new acquaintances, setting the stage for further developments as they settle into their new desert life."

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Little Colonel in Arizona, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • adventurous
  • wholesome

Annie F. Johnston's "The Little Colonel in Arizona" transports readers to the early 20th century, following the spirited Mary Ware and her family as they embark on a life-altering journey from Kansas to the arid landscapes of Arizona. Driven by the hope of improving Mary's ailing mother's health, the Wares settle into Lee's Ranch, a boarding camp for invalids. The narrative beautifully captures the contrast between Mary's boundless optimism and her older siblings' apprehension, offering a charming exploration of adapting to new surroundings and the enduring strength of family bonds. Through Mary's innocent eyes, the challenges and adventures of desert life become a testament to resilience, the power of a positive outlook, and the simple joys of childhood.

“"Oh, Mother, isn't it perfectly splendid to live in a tent? It's like a grand adventure every single day!"”

Key themes

Family and Resilience
The central theme revolves around the Ware family's collective struggle and unwavering support for one another in the face of adversity. Their move to Arizona, driven by the mother's illness, tests their bonds, but also strengthens them as they navigate new challenges together. Mary's optimism serves as a beacon of hope for the entire family.
Adaptation and Change
The book vividly explores the process of adapting to a radically new environment and lifestyle. The Ware children, particularly Mary, demonstrate different coping mechanisms and growth as they transition from their familiar Kansas home to the rugged Arizona desert and the communal life of Lee's Ranch. It's a journey of embracing the unfamiliar.
Childhood Innocence and Perspective
Mary Ware's character embodies the theme of childhood innocence, showcasing how a child's unburdened perspective can transform daunting challenges into exciting adventures. Her ability to find wonder and joy in simple things, and her lack of pretense, often influences the more jaded or anxious adults and older siblings around her.

Worth discussing

How does Mary Ware's optimistic perspective influence her family and those around her? What can we learn from her approach to challenges?

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