53 pages • 1 hour read
The Hundred Dresses
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Book Brief
80
Novella • Fiction
Connecticut • 1930s
1944
Middle grade
6-10 years
870L
Super Short Summary
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin, is set in a small-town school in Connecticut and follows the story of Maddie, a girl who observes her friend Peggy frequently teasing Wanda Petronski, a Polish immigrant with only one dress. Wanda claims to have 100 dresses at home, which incites further teasing. After Wanda's mysterious disappearance, her classmates discover she is a talented artist through her 100 dress drawings submitted for a school contest. Through subsequent events, Maddie reflects on the consequences of not speaking up against bullying. This book does address bullying experienced by a child partially based on her Polish identity.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eleanor Estes' The Hundred Dresses, lauded for its timeless themes of empathy and bullying, invites readers into a poignant narrative suitable for children and adults alike. Praised for its character depth and moral lessons, it also faces criticism for perceived simplicity and outdated cultural references. Overall, it remains a heartfelt, enduring story with significant educational value.
Who Should Read The Hundred Dresses?
A reader who would enjoy The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes is typically an upper-elementary student (ages 8-12) who appreciates stories about friendship, empathy, and social issues. Fans of Louise Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy and Judy Blume's Blubber will find resonance in its thought-provoking narrative.
Maddie
Maddie
A classmate of Wanda who feels ashamed of her family's poverty and is troubled by her failure to intervene in the bullying Wanda experiences.
Peggy
Peggy
A beautiful and popular student who mocks Wanda but is impressed by Wanda's artistic talent, and follows the encouragement of her peers in her actions.
Jan Petronksi
Jan Petronksi
Wanda’s father, a Polish immigrant living with his family in Boggins Heights, who writes a letter to the students addressing the discrimination they have faced.
80
Novella • Fiction
Connecticut • 1930s
1944
Middle grade
6-10 years
870L
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