In 'The Adventures of Ann: Stories of Colonial Times', Mary E. Wilkins tells the story of a young girl, Ann, taken from her poor and downtrodden mother and placed in the care of a Puritan couple. Ann is a hard child to manage, described as "having the freaks of a dozen children in herself", but her affectionate nature and quick mind win over the people of her neighborhood. This heartwarming tale is a tribute to the resilience of children and the power of love and community.