In Changes for Kit, Kit outgrows her old red coat she got for a Christmas present and her friends and family make her a new one with old materials that came from their own clothe. Kit, Stirling, and Ruthie decide to donate Kit's old coat to the hobo jungle where there were a lot of children who were cold and hungry. However when they get to the jungle they learn from the few remaining hoboes that most of the families had gone to the soup kitchen for the winter months. So Kit, Stirling, and Ruthie continue their journey to the soup kitchen. The children are all alarmed when they see the poor condition the children at the soup kitchen are in. Kit sees many children who need coats and many who need shoes. She feels very helpless when all she can donate is ONE winter coat.

Meanwhile, back at home her parents get the news that Uncle Hendrick broke his wrist and ankle and is coming to live with them accompanied by his dog Inky. Kit couldn't be more annoyed that mean and crabby Uncle is coming again, and guess whose job it is to look after him? Kit's. She hates how her uncle make her write letters to the newpaper editors and complain about the president and his programs which Kit knows has helped her family get through the hard times. Such as her brother Charlie who worked in the CCC and earned money for the family. However Kit learns from Uncle Hendrick too! She could write a letter about all those kids who need clothing and shelter in the soup kitchen! So she, Ruthie, and Stirling go to the soup kitchen and took pictures of the poor condition the children were in. However Kit knows that since she isn't rich and doesn't have a reputation like Uncle Hendrick she probably won't get her article printed. Well, is her family and Uncle Hendrick in for a surprise when they recieve the paper one morning. Not only are they surprised but Kit's letter affects the whole city of Cinncinati!

The conclusion to Kit's story was another great one in the American Girl's Collection. I can't wait for the next girl's story to come out! They are really beautiful books with their pictures and the Peek into the Past. Lastly I have to say Hooray for Kit!!!

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kit Kittredge, a ten-year-old girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is 1934, and Kit and her family are struggling to make ends meet as the Great Depression deepens. Kit's life seems to suddenly get much worse, when her dour Uncle Hendrick is injured during a fall and moves in with the family. However, it's not her own plight that hurts Kit, it's that of the children she sees in the local soup kitchen. She wants to do something, but what? Perhaps she can steal an idea from her Uncle!

As with the other Kit books, this is a great story. It succeeds brilliantly in teaching history while also teaching a life lesson. The book is wonderfully put together, with great illustrations. The final chapter is a short history of the Great Depression, which makes the book even more informative. This is a great book, one my daughter and I highly recommend.

Since there is no description about this book, I'll explain everything I can. In Changes for Kit, Kit finally gets a "new" coat to replace the one she'd outgrown in Kit's Surprise. She, along with her friends Ruthie Smithens and Stirling Howard, decide to give her coat to a hobo at the hobo jungle they had discovered in Kit Saves the Day. But when they get there, they discover that the jungle is deserted, and the few hoboes in the cave tell them that during the winter, many of the hoboes go to the Soup kitchens to eat. So Kit and her friends go to the soup kitchen they visited in Kit Learns A Lesson, and give Kit's coat to a poor girl who is in nothing but rags. Kit and Ruthie also notice the fact that many of the kids at the soup kitchen are wearing poor coats and shoes, and Kit plans to find a way to help them, but can't figure out how.
Back at home, Mr. Smithens delivers the news that Kit's cranky Uncle Hendrick broke his arm and ankle when he fell down the stairs, and now insists on moving in with the Kittredges. Since Kit's parents are busy and Uncle Hendrick can't write, when he has a complaint about the local newspaper, he demands that Kit dictate it for him. Kit doesn't agree with what Uncle Hendrick says at all, and comes up with her own letter to congratulate the newspaper editor.
Then Ruthie decides to donate some of her clothes to the Soup Kitchen, and that's when Kit gets her idea to photograph the kids in the kitchen. She does so, and on her way to the newspaper office, she drops her letter and the roll of film off with Uncle Hendrick's dictated letter. Kit fears that because she's not as wealthy or important as her Uncle that her letter will never get published. But everyone in Cincinnati, as well as in Kit's home is in for a surprise. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has read the rest of the Kit books, as it does a good job of finishing off her series.

With the possible acception of Molly's Suppries, this was my favorit book in the Molly Micantier sieries. Molly and her friends don't realy understand the true gravity of the war. Oh, they know that Fathers and husbands are away on distant battle feilds, that mothers are working in Home-Front Red Cross orgonizations and that certin foods are rationed. They feel the war, but they don't understand the true eviles of the fighting- the innocent European familys starving, and rushing under bomb shelters in there living rooms at the sound of a warning sigren, the soldgers storming a far away beach on D-Day. THese are the things they see on News Reels and in Life Magizien. They even make a game out of it all, by bulding a pretend bomb shelter in Molly's basment! When Emily, a British girl comes to stay with the Micintiers, she shows Molly what the war is realy like. She tells here about distruction left buy bombs in England, about being traped for days in subway cars, and about Bomb shelters that, arn't just a game. Emily brings with her plenty of forgien British terms and ideas- some of wich step on Molly's toes. In the end, thogh, the girls learn to put aside there difrances and dissageements, and enjoy there birthdays as inter-national friends. I thought this book was wonderful. If you are interested in WW2, or if you just enjoy a good read, I recomend this book.

I thought the book was so cool. How an eglish girl was there for Mollys birthday.I wish they could come out of more books with Emily in them.And I'm happy that they got there dogs that they wished for.

An English girl is going to stay with the McItires! She's going to be there on Molly's birthday! One night while Molly and Emily get into a fight and Molly sayas that Emily can't come to her party. What'll she do?

In this book Molly McIntire's Dad is in the war so she thinks he won't send presents for Christmas. Of coarse the famly sent him presents but Molly isn't sure her dad will. Then she and her sister Jill find a package from their dad saying not to tell any one about until Christmas. To find out more read the book.

I got this book for Christmas and it is very good.Molly is my favorite character. In this book she almost gave up all hope on her christmas gift from her dad but still had a little flame of hope that kept that gift from getting lost or stollen. But all through still she kept the Christmas spirit which is very important. I would recomend this book to any one. Thank you.

Molly's upset because Christmas cannot be the same because of the war. She tries to salvage whatever part of Christmas she can and when she and her sister Jill find a package from her father they hide it so they can be the ones to surprise their family. My favorite of all the American girl novels.

Besides the Bible, I found this book to be the most important factor affecting my parenting. Tripp gets right to the underlying reason for behavior, the heart. And he doesn't focus on behavior. All other "child raising" books I have read have not followed the precepts of the Word as closely as this one. Wonderful, convicting, powerful.

Most self-help books are too basic, or just plain wrong. And all parenting "helps" seem to train parents to reinforce their children's idols by using them as consequences and incentives. This book teaches us another way entirely. Some say this book is solidly biblical, but that's not what makes it meaningful to me. This book teaches how to be Christ to our children. As such, it exposes the darkest parts of even the most enlightened parents' hearts. It is both convicting and delightful to dig into. I will never be the same kind of parent because of it.

I highly recommend this book to parents of children of any age. It explains a thoughtful, loving approaching to raising children. Please read all of this book with an open mind before passing judgment. To be effective at implementing this approach, a parent is going to have to be open to change, willing to go against the grain of current culture and be diligent. My bet is anyone willing to do so will be well-rewarded.

Well written book about my favorite American Girl, Felicity Merriman. This story shows Felicity's character as it was developed in the main series. She is so full of life and is a joy to read about. Her relationships with her sister and parents comes through in this short book. The characters are so vividly described.

I bought this for my 8 year old daughter, but definitely enjoyed it as much myself! She has read it three times and loved it.

My little girl LOVES this book! it is a great taste of history for you girls..and they really get into it without even knowing they are learning!

This is another one of the American Girls Short Stories series about Josefina Montoya, a nine-year-old girl living in the New Mexico of 1824. In this book, when Josefina and her father journey up to the mountains to visit one of the rancho's shepherds and his grandson, they discover a recent illness has left him blind. In spite of Josefina's pleading, her father decides to retire the shepherd. But, on their way home, Josefina and her father are caught in a sudden storm, and he is injured. Can Josefina save the day?

The final chapter of this book looks at shepherding in 1824, and gives directions for making a mini rug (it looks quite fun and easy, and my daughter and I are going to make one). As always, Jean-Paul Tibbles has produced some excellent illustrations that add a great deal to this already excellent book. My daughter and I both highly enjoyed this book, and we recommend it to you.

"Josefina's Song" is the third Josefina short story that was published, but it is set just before the book "Josefina Saves the Day". In "Josefina's Song", Josefina is allowed to join her Papa on a trip to the local mountains. They are going to visit the shepherd and his son who spend most of the year with the herd of sheep on the more abundant grazing land found in the mountains. When they arrive at their camp, they realize that the shepherd has become blind from a fever, and his nine year old son watches the sheep. Even though the shepherd proves himself capable around the camp, Papa is still worried for his safety. Papa offers to house them comfortably in town, but Josefina boldly speaks up for them, jeopardizing her own trip to Santa Fe that same summer. On their way home, a summer storm hits and Papa is injured when his frightened horse rears at lightning and bolts. Brave Josefina leads her Papa on her own horse back to the shepards camp, until men from home discover the runaway horse and rescue them in the morning. During the night, Josefina sings in her beautiful voice to the shepherd's flute playing. When she runs out of songs she knows, she sings her feelings about her journey, her outspokenness, the storm, Papa's accident and about the care the shepherd gives them. The next day, the abilities of the shepherd and his son are re-evaluated.

Josefina's Theater Kit contains the ingredients to create a short play about Josefina. The play is titled "Josefina's Gift". Each of the five acts in the play are based on the book "Happy Birthday, Josefina!" Josefina believes that she may want to be a healer like her Tia Magdalena until she accidently breaks one of Tia Magdalena's priceless jars while cleaning, and then runs home. Tia Dolores helps Josefina take responsibility for her actions, and get a second chance to have Tia Magdalena teach her about being a healer. Her lesson on herbs with Tia Magdalena, and her confidence in herself give her the chance to save her friend, Marianna, from a snake bite.

The play is for six characters (five females, one male role for Papa). It comes with four script booklets, a directors guide, and a poster to announce your performance. The scripts contain stage directions: an excellent practice for reading materials written in different formats. The directors guide contains information about the directors job, stage directions, costuming, stage sets, and how to put on the play. All of the materials are detailed and user friendly. Motivated actors could make this into a production worthy of inviting the neighborhood over, or even a talent show entry.

This is a fun-to-preform play, with scripts, tips, and more!

This is another one of the American Girls Short Stories series about Josefina Montoya, a nine-year-old girl living in the New Mexico of 1824. When Josefina's grandparents arrive with her aunt Dolores, Josefina finds herself suddenly torn. She had always been her grandmother's favorite, and mainly because she reminded her so much of her dead mother, a fact that Josefina had always been proud of. But now, she is getting older and is beginning to grow in directions her mother never had, a fact that her grandmother finds disappointing. What can Josefina do?

The final chapter of this book is a fascinating look at women's rights in 1824, both in Mexico and in the United States. (Plus there are directions for making apple empanditas, and delicious apple tart!) And, as always, Jean-Paul Tibbles' illustrations are excellent, and help to make this a truly wonderful book.

This is an excellent story, and a wonderful addition to the Josefina stories. My daughter and I both enjoyed the story for itself, and I like the lesson it taught, both for children and the ones who love them. My daughter and I both highly recommend this book.

"Just Josefina" is the most recently published (and fourth) short story about Josefina. "Just Josefina" fits between the books "Meet Josefina" and "Josefina Learns a Lesson". Josefina's grandparents have brought Tia (Aunt) Dolores to stay with Josefina's family and to visit. Josefina and her sisters greet their grandparents with respect, and then Josefina helps Abuelita freshen up after her journey. It is clear that Abuelita holds a special place in her heart for Josefina. It is also clear that Abueblita expects Josefina to be a quiet, well mannered girl who follows the rules of conduct, even when her sisters don't.

Josefina is torn between wanting to please her Abuelita and wanting to be herself. At a party, Tia Dolores plays her piano while the friends and neighbors dance. She urges Josefina to show them the new dance that she has learned, but Josefina is too young to dance in front of others. Abuelita is shocked at Tia Dolores's suggestion, and claims that Josefina is too shy. But dance is exactly what Josefina wants to do, and ends up doing, to Abuelita's disapproval.

Then, her skirt button pops. Abuelita had given the skirt to Josefina because it was the skirt of Josefina's deceased mother, and Abuelita's oldest daughter. Josefina tries to give Abuelita the skirt back, because, like Abuelita's image of Josefina as being shy and obedient like her Mama, it just didn't fit. In the end, the skirt button can be adjusted to fit, just like how Abuelita sees Josefina can be changed to accept Josefina as "Just Josefina".

This book is my favorite out of the Josefina short stories because of the clear, dignified portrayal of Abuelita as a traditional Spanish matron. I also enjoyed this book because Josefina learns that she can communicate who she is without compromising her relationship with her grandmother.

This delightful cookbook is part of the American Girls Pastimes series, and focuses on the sort of recipes that would have been used during the time of Kirsten Larson, 1854. The book begins with some historical notes on pioneer kitchens and eating, and includes a short prayer in Swedish (which my eleven-year-old daughter is trying to memorize). Then the book launches into the recipes. First comes breakfast with homemade sausage patties, hard-boiled eggs (and how to serve), Swedish rice porridge, round rye bread (all hand made), homemade butter, and ginger cookies. Next comes dinner with baked ham slice, Swedish potatoes (better than scalloped potatoes!), cabbage and apple salad, fruit soup, and Swedish almond rusks. Then comes favorite foods, which includes potato soup, Swedish meatballs, fresh applesause, Swedish pancakes, St. Lucia buns, and Pepparkakor cookies (ginger cookies, a traditional Christmas treat, but good anytime). The final chapter is on planning a pioneer party.

This is a very good recipe book. The recipes in here are all easily within the ability of a youngster who is guided by an adult with even moderate experience in the kitchen; no special tools are need. My daughter already made the Swedish pancakes (yum!), and is planning a Swedish meal (at which she'll recite the prayer). I can't wait.

This is a very nice book, an excellent recipe book, and an excellent addition to your Kirsten library.

The recipes are wonderful, and the history is easy to take in. I learned quite a bit from this book without any suffering. There are lots of pictures, including photos. This is my kind of cookbook! I intend to buy the other cookbooks in this series.

The entries in this book are written far more clearer than in Grimal's myth dictionary. In fact I have enjoyed it more than the works of Edith Hamilton. This is a must have for any budding mythologist.

I'm delighted to find that THE MERIDIAN HANDBOOK OF CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY is still available. My 1970 copy has served me well over the years, both as a student and as a committed reader of liturature. My seventh-grade daughter is now using my old copy. It won't survive the year. Thus, I'm pleased to find it has been reprinted. The book is arranged like a dictionary. Every name in Greek and Roman literature is listed and an identifying discussion provided. Mr. Tripp sources the entries so the curious reader can look further. The print is small. Some readers may want to use a magnifying glass.