What Would Nancy Drew Do?

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

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

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