"The Hired Girl" is a young adult historical novel written by Laura Amy Schlitz. The book was published in 2015 and is set in Baltimore, Maryland, during the early 20th century. It is presented in a diary format and tells the story of a young girl named Joan Skraggs, who goes by the pseudonym Janet Lovelace.
The novel is set in 1911 and follows Joan Skraggs, a 14-year-old girl from a rural and impoverished background. After the death of her parents, Joan runs away from her harsh life on the family farm, seeking a better future for herself. She takes on the persona of "Janet Lovelace" and secures a job as a hired girl with the wealthy Rosenbach family in Baltimore.
As Janet Lovelace, Joan experiences the stark contrast between her former life and her new position. She begins working as a housemaid and faces the challenges of adjusting to a very different lifestyle, with all the luxuries and comforts that wealth can provide. The novel explores themes of class, social expectations, and gender roles as Joan navigates her new role and tries to keep her true identity a secret.
Throughout the book, Joan's diary entries provide insight into her thoughts, dreams, and challenges. She is determined to educate herself, as she is passionate about literature and learning, and she secretly borrows books from the Rosenbach's library. Her journey to self-discovery and her aspirations for a better life are central elements of the story.
"The Hired Girl" is a coming-of-age tale that explores the struggles and triumphs of a young girl in a rapidly changing world. Laura Amy Schlitz's novel has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Joan's character and its examination of social and cultural issues in the early 20th century, making it a compelling read for young adults and anyone interested in historical fiction.
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