The Stair-step Girls–Images of Childhood
(ISBN: 978-0-987852-11-0)
Growing up a family of nine girls on Prince Edward Island, Canada during the depression is portrayed in this brief book–the hardships as well as the enjoyment of those years. Ways to stretch food supplies as well as improvising clothing give a sense of what life was like, but mixed in is a liberal dose of fun (mischief) and responsibility. Being hired out at age 14 shows some of the contrasts between poverty and wealth. The book shows an underlying struggle for survival mixed with light-hearted moments. It makes the contrast to modern childhood most pronounced.
This book was transcribed and edited by Laura’s Niece, Donna Singleton, who subsequently published her own book, Even Now You Lead Me.