Up the Hill

Up the Hill is another cherished book by Marguerite De Angeli. The story of a Polish immigrant family is accented with her wonderful illustrations.

The setting of the book is a Pennsylvanian mining town. But the theme of the book could place it anywhere in the United States as families from the Old World learn to adapt to a new life while cherishing their heritage.

The book begins at Christmas and continues to Easter allowing the reader to learn of the family holiday traditions. Meanwhile, Aniela is learning more about her Polish heritage through a school project where the teacher encourages each student to share about their country of origin.

While mining is the backdrop, I was almost disappointed not to learn more about mining life. It is mentioned only briefly as Aniela's older brother works with Rosie, the mule in the mines while dreaming of a life of a painter. The reluctance of the parents to allow him to leave the secure job of the mine to pursue his dreams echo the relief that many found to find employment in America.

I could find no evidence of the year the book was set in. I'm guessing maybe around the Second World War though there was no mention of the war.

Up the Hill  is a sweet story of a bygone era for any child.