First published in 1903, REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM tells the tale of the downtrodden but ever-optimistic Rebecca Rowena Randall. Left penniless when her father dies, Rebecca is taken in by her two aunts--the stern Aunt Miranda and the kindly Aunt Jane. Although Aunt Miranda initially finds Rebecca`s presence overwhelming and dislikable, she is slowly but surely won over by Rebecca`s kind heart and sweet nature. While living with the aunts, Rebecca meets Adam Ladd, an older man (28 to Rebecca`s 12) whom she nicknames Mr. Aladdin. Adam soon becomes Rebecca`s patron, supporting her through school and showering her with gifts. The book concludes with Rebecca graduating--and, although she begins to take on the responsibilities of adulthood, she still has the sunny optimism and innocence of a child.