An Old-Fashioned Girl: illustrations-annotated Hardcover – November 18, 2025

An Old-Fashioned Girl follows Polly Milton, a wholesome, earnest girl from the countryside who visits her wealthy, fashion-conscious friend Fanny Shaw in the city. Polly’s simple manners and modest lifestyle contrast with the Shaw family’s materialism, offering a gentle critique of vanity, social pressure, and class differences. Through her kindness and sincerity, Polly quietly influences the Shaws—especially Fanny and her brother Tom—encouraging them to see beyond surface-level values.Years later, Polly returns to the city as a young woman working to support herself. She navigates the challenges of independence, financial hardship, and the expectations placed on women while remaining true to her principles. Her steadfast character inspires those around her, and her perseverance is ultimately rewarded through deepened friendships, renewed respect, and the possibility of love. Read more