Annabel — L. Frank Baum

Annabel was one of Baum's first efforts to write a novel for adolescent girls. Will Carden, the novel's protagonist, is fifteen years old at the start of the story. His family has "come down" in the world. Will likes twelve-year-old Annabel who is plain, with red hair and freckles and a "pug nose." Her father owns the steel mill that succeeded the Carden mill as the town's leading employer. Annabel's mother wounds Will by telling her children to avoid the lowly "vegetable boy." Will, however, is a lad of fine character; he is encouraged by the local physician, Dr. Meigs. Will saves Annabel's life when she falls through a frozen pond while ice-skating. Annabel and Will grow close as Annabel blossoms into young womanhood; Once Will's tragic family history is revealed, the Carden family is united in prosperity once more. Will and Annabel look forward to marriage and the prospect of a happy union.