My kids have not grown up on Nancy Drew books–as a matter of fact, I think that I (turning forty in a week) may be at the tail end of those American girls spending summers and Sunday afternoons buried in “The Ghost of Blackwood Hall” and “The Mystery at the Lilac Inn.” I am well aware that there are plenty of other, stronger female characters in young adult literature now and perhaps there is no longer any need for Nancy. But, certainly, I have absorbed a bit of saucy Nancy–and her chums George and Bess (between the three of them, I think they represent just about every side of me, or at least how I have come to see me) and cannot help but asking myself in sticky situations–what would Nancy Drew do?
Nancy, of course, always stylish in her twin-sets and casually-coiffed hair, was both smart and persistent, as well as independent. But, if you remember correctly, Nancy had quite a little entourage–with her sidekick girlfriends George and Bess, the boyfriend-in-the-background Ned, Helen and the revolving cast of others that bolstered Nancy’s social-involved and sleuthing life. As an old mom, I like to imagine that if Nancy Drew grew up and became a parent–what sort of a parent would Nancy Drew be?
There can be no doubt that Nancy was in charge. Even though there was the housekeeper and her lawyer father–Nancy really rules the roost, planning meals, events and activities and driving about in her little blue car. She stays pretty darn active too–in addition to her mystery-solving activities (her job), she’s organizing outings and keeping those friends in line. She has the love interest (Ned)–but that doesn’t stop her from doing what needs to be done in order to solve mysteries and face danger.
So, when times get tough–or just a bit overwhelming–I put on my most stylish twin-set and try to channel a little female-sleuth, asking myself, now what would Nancy Drew do?
See Also: The Fantasy Mom or Dad
Tristi’s Picks: Favorite Children’s and Young Adult Books Read in 2006