Ruthie's Gift — Kimberley Brubaker Bradley

How can a girl ever hope to become a lady when she's surrounded by a houseful of boys? Lively, sassy Ruth Hawk, eight years old and living in Indiana in 1916, loves her five brothers, but sometimes she can't help wishing for the company of another girl. Even in class, Ruthie feels lonely: She's the only third-grader, male or female, in the whole school.

But Ruthie's life is about to change. Wonderful new friends, a just-born family member, and unexpected moments of fear and joy will all lead her through a year of discovery. She just might end up a lady. Or maybe she'll become someone even better.