Running to Waste: The Story of a Tomboy

Running to Waste: The Story of a Tomboy, published in 1875 by George M. Baker, is a coming-of-age novel centered on Becky Sleeper, a spirited tomboy navigating the challenges of societal expectations for girls in the late 19th century. The story follows her adventurous escapades, including a humorous apple theft with her brother Teddy, which sets the tone for her defiant character. The book explores themes of gender identity, responsibility, and the dynamics between mothers and daughters, making it a notable work in juvenile fiction of its time.