How do we see Bert and Lucy accept growing up throughout the book? What are the chief differences you see between childhood and adulthood back in the 1940s as compared to today?

What do you think of Bert's desire to stay a girl instead of growing into a woman? How do we see Bert and Lucy accept growing up throughout the book? What are the chief differences you see between childhood and adulthood back in the 1940s as compared to today?

There is an innocence that seems to be missing from our world today. Bert and Lucy are introduced to adulthood sometimes too soon. But in today's world it seems even sooner. Which I feel is sad.

The early expectations of Bert growing up in the mountains may have been that she grow up quickly and marry at a young age (as evidenced by the path her sister, Ruth took) and yet, Bert longed for more out of life and therefore, tried to delay her growing up. Lucy, on the other hand, was able to linger in her childhood alongside her siblings and Nancy Drew.

Children in the 40s seemingly were expected to balance fun and chores, were less entitled and took less for granted, learned about the world through actual experience versus sitting inside with an iPhone, iPad, or computer.

Agree that there was an innocence with Bert and Lucy like we had years ago. Both girls are sweet. Loved when they initially got dressed up in "city clothes", makeup, and had their hair done...and then a hot summer day ruined it and they went back to their old selves.

I can relate having grown up in the 40's and 50's. We were innocent, carefree and protected from the evils of the world. In the summer we could exit the house after breakfast and just return for the next meal or after supper be home by dark. No purchased toys to speak of, the fields, creeks and climbing trees were our playground.
Books to read were mailed to me from a library seventy miles away and always included a post paid envelope to mail them back when I finished the story. Bert and Lucy were free of the influences kids face today and used their minds and imaginations to the fullest.