Cherry Ames Nurse Mysteries
The Cherry Ames Book Series originated in 1943 by author Helen Wells and was published by Grosset & Dunlap. Helen Wells wrote 8 titles between 1943 and 1947 before she decided she wanted a break from Cherry. Julie Tatham, (best known as writer Julie Campbell - initial creator of the Trixie Belden series) took over writing duties and the series, writing book 9 in 1948 through to book 16 in 1955. Helen Wells then returned to continue the Cherry Ames series writing book 17 in 1955 through to book 27 in 1968.
The Cherry Ames series follows the story of a mystery solving Nurse through various jobs and wartime America. The series starts from her decision to become a nurse (Book One is called Student Nurse) through to her adventures as a qualified nurse working in a wide range of fields. The early books are back dropped against World War 11 and have strong patriotic themes.
Cherry Ames books have had a number of releases including in the 1970’s. Book cover artwork has changed through time from Military Uniforms in the 1940’s to having a less strong emphasis in the 1950’s.
Although written from the 1940’s through to the late 1960’s a number of the themes still hold relevance today including Cherry deciding on holding off on marriage in preference for establishing a rewarding career. One of the books also tackles the issue of diet fads, possible consequences and learning to be happy with the person that you are.
The Cherry Ames series in 2007 are again back in print, published by Springer Publishing Company. The books have been released individually as well as in box sets. Each box set contains 4 books in numerical order. Only Helen Wells written books have been released at this stage.
HELEN WELLS WRITTEN
JULIE TATHAM WRITTEN
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