The Hundred Dresses

Eleanor Estes drew inspiration for The Hundred Dresses from a real-life experience during her own childhood, where a classmate was teased for wearing the same dress every day and claiming to have many more at home. This personal memory formed the basis for Wanda Petronski's character and the central conflict of the story.

The Hundred Dresses is frequently included in school curricula because it provides an accessible yet profound exploration of bullying, empathy, and the consequences of bystander behavior. It encourages young readers to reflect on social dynamics and the importance of standing up for others.