Johanna Spyri is mostly famous for writing Heidi, that wholesome alpine tale of a little girl and her goat-loving grandfather. But if you think that’s all she’s got, Vom This, der doch etwas wird will blow your hair back. It’s a raw, realist story about a kid labeled a lost cause, and it’s way more underdog and redemption than you’d expect from such an old book.

The Story

This (yes, that’s his name) is a young boy living in a snug, gossiping village. Everything he does seems to land him in trouble. People shake their heads, predict he’ll end up a beggar or worse. Basically, they’ve stamped “failure” on his forehead. One day, totally by accident, Our This guy happens to wander in front of this rich, grumpy old farmer, who suddenly thinks maybe, just maybe, he sees a spark. So he takes This on as an errand boy, and honest work begins to reshape him. But secrets cling to This like burrs—something about where he came from, and why he acts so wild. The story revolves around a discovery that forces This to prove not just what he can do, but who he truly is. There’s some clumsy friendships, fierce loyalty, and a climax that’ll pull at your heart like a stubborn thorn.”

Why You Should Read It

Because it’s all about second chances. I mean really believe in them. Spyri makes you feel that awful sting when you’re judged by your past mistakes. Both kids and adults will connect to that feeling of being misunderstood. This is not a perfect, goody-two-shoes hero—he messes up, yells, makes dumb decisions. But he also gets back up. The friendships (and betrayals) feel 100% real. Bonus: the plot moves along like a well-paced Netflix miniseries—except it was written partly in the 1880s! It also talks about classism in a small town without being preachy. Themes of identity: Who are you if everyone says you “just are no good”? The story offers hope without ever being sappy. Any former, current or future misfit teenager (read: everyone) will see themselves in This.

Final Verdict

Who is this for? Anyone who liked tween-and-up books about underdogs, like The Matchstick Girl or even Holes. People exploring inner strength. Families reading aloud. It also works as a subtle recommendation to teachers who want a crisp, unusual short classic. For lost loners and comeback kids. It’s less famous than Heidi by miles, but feels way more urgent in its message. Ditch the niche snobbery. If you need one tender, straight-up motivational story this year—read This one.