Most books I read as a child, I found on my own at the library. But one, dog-eared paperback of my mom's convinced me to read books other than mysteries--Star-Spangled Summer. I read every book I could find by this prolific author, Janet Lambert.
Since the books were usually set on army bases, it is not surprising to find out that Lambert lived on a base as an army wife. Penny wanted to be an actress, and in later books she did become a famous actress. It is also not surprising to find out that Lambert spent over two years playing small parts in a stock company.
Lambert's first book, and in my opinion the best book, Star-Spangled Summer, was written while her husband was stationed in New York City. She finished writing it on a Thursday, and it was bough by E. P. Dutton on Friday.
Unlike many series books, the characters aged. This meant Lambert was constantly adding new characters to the mix. They even married and had children. Somehow, they all end up related. I am working on a family history chart and will post it when I finish.
Lambert wrote the books in serial format for her daughter. "There was always a serial chapter each night and while we lived in Poland (1930-32) I had to provide most of her reading matter."
Just before she died, Lambert wrote "The Odd Ones" a new series attempt in 1969.
Star Spangled Summer 1941
Dreams of Glory 1942
Glory Be! 1943
Up Goes the Curtain 1946
Practically Perfect
The Reluctant Heart
Miss Tippy 1948
Little Miss Atlas 1949
Miss America
Don't Cry Little Girl 1952
Rainbow After Rain 1953
Welcome Home, Mrs. Jordan 1953
Song in Their Hearts 1956
Introducing Parri 1962
That's My Girl 1964
Stagestruck Parri 1966
My Davy 1968
Just Jennifer 1945
Friday's Child 1947
Confusion by Cupid 1950
Dream for Susan 1954
Love Taps Gently 1955
Myself & I 1957 (about Susan)
The Stars Hang High
Wedding Bells (Susan and Bobby)
A Bright Tomorrow
Candy Kane
Whoa, Matilda
One for the Money
Star Dream
Summer for Seven
High Hurdles
The Precious Days
For Each Other
Forever and Ever
Five's a Crowd
First of All
Sugar Bradley books
Sweet as Sugar
Christie Drayton Books
Where the Heart Is
Treasure Trouble
We're Going Steady
Boy Wanted
Spring Fever
Summer Madness
Extra Special
On Her Own
Cinda
Fly Away Cinda
Big Deal
Triple Trouble
Love to Spare
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