Brief Summary of School Reading List Books - Ievgen Sykalo 2026

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes tells a powerful story about bullying, empathy, and the importance of imagination. Set in a small-town American school, the story revolves around two girls, Wanda Petronski and Maddie.

Wanda, the Target:

Wanda Petronski is a new student from a poor Polish family. She becomes the target of relentless teasing by Peggy, the most popular girl in school, and her followers. Wanda is ostracized for her worn clothes and withdrawn personality.

The Hundred Dresses:

One day, during a reading assignment about a princess with a hundred dresses, Wanda announces that she too has a hundred dresses, all different colors and styles. This outlandish claim fuels the other students' mockery. They don't believe Wanda and use her statement to further isolate her.

Maddie and the Growing Unease:

Maddie, initially hesitant to speak up against the bullying, feels a growing unease about the way Wanda is treated. She witnesses Peggy's cruelty firsthand and starts to question her own actions.

A Turning Point:

A pivotal moment arrives when the school announces a drawing contest with a prize. Wanda enters the contest, drawing elaborate and beautiful sketches of all the hundred dresses she claimed to have. This act of artistic expression showcases Wanda's talent and imagination, leaving the other students speechless.

The Empty Chair:

Sadly, Wanda and her family disappear soon after the contest. A note arrives explaining that they've moved away, seeking a place where they won't be ridiculed for their background.

Facing the Consequences:

Maddie and Peggy are left to confront the consequences of their actions. Maddie feels a deep sense of regret for not standing up for Wanda sooner. Peggy, for the first time, faces the reality of the pain she has inflicted.

A Lesson Learned:

The story ends with a sense of hope for Maddie. She decides to write to Wanda, apologizing for the way she was treated and expressing a newfound appreciation for Wanda's creativity. This act symbolizes Maddie's growth and her commitment to stand up against bullying in the future.

Themes Explored:

The Hundred Dresses is a timeless story that explores themes of bullying, prejudice, and the power of imagination. It encourages readers to develop empathy for others and to stand up for those who are different. The illustrations by Louis Slobodkin enhance the story, capturing the emotions and social dynamics within the classroom.