Tripp wrote a lovely story depicting a nine-year-old girl, Kit, going through the Depression in Cincinnati. She and her family face a very difficult situation when her father, a man she deeply admires, loses his job.
This book conveys an important message to other young girls who do not understand what the Depression was all about, or the impact it had on so many people. Kit is your typical nine-year-old and she comes from a typical middle-class family in Cincinnati. This allows young girl readers to identify with this fun-loving character. Tripp's use of description helps paint a picture for the reader. For example, when Tripp describes Kit's mother she writes, "Mother looked as cool and slender as a mint leaf in her pale green dress."
This is an excellent book to read, especially for 8 - 12 year olds. Girls will definitely enjoy it more than boys since Kit, the main character, is a girl; however, she enjoys baseball and not the frilly things, so boys may enjoy this too.
Meet Kit will help reluctant readers want to read due to its easy languague. Then the reader can pick up the next book to learn even more about Kit.

I read this book only because of that fact that when I was young, I absolutley loved the American Girls more than anything else in the world. And I'm glad I did, because they got me interested in history. Reading books like these will encourage young girls to move onto more challenging and realistic historical fiction as they grow older, such as the Dear America series. This book "introduces" the newest American Girl, nine-year-old Kit Kitteradge (who thought up that name, anyway?), who lives with her family in Cincinatti during the Depression. (Again, problem: the cover says the setting is 1934, the historical note says 1932. Not that little girls are going to notice.) Kit and her family are affected by the Great Depression, but her concerns are petty next to the larger problems facing most citizens of the country. Her dad loses his business. Her mom opens a boardinghouse. Kit has to give up her room to paying borders and live in the attic. Not so harsh when there were kids not much older than her living off their own wits. Kit wasn't exactly the most well-developed character, either - she's just defined as liking and disliking various things, and often acts selfish and spoiled, before suddenly realizing her mistakes. Still, I give the book five stars because it is sure the entertain the audience it is intended for.

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kit Kittredge, a nine-year-old girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is 1934, and the Great Depression is deepening. Fortunately, Kit's father has been able to keep his car dealership afloat, and her family has not had to suffer the losses so many other people have. However, disaster strikes when Kit learns that her father's dealership is now bankrupt, and he is joining the ranks of the unemployed. Instead of feeling like the center of everyone's world, Kit now finds that she must stay out of the way, and do what she can to help the entire family.

This book really surprised me (so far my daughter has been reading the Kirsten books). This story is hard, but shows children that sometimes there are hardships that have to be borne, rather than simply gotten around. I enjoyed Walter Rane's illustrations, which tended to be small but plentiful. My nine-year-old daughter enjoyed this book, and I enjoyed the lesson that it taught.

"Changes For Molly was especially good because Molly's dad gets to finally come home. He has been in the war helping wounded soldiers.

When Molly hears the news that her dad is coming home, she gets excited, because he'll be home in time to see her dance in the "Hooray for the U.S.A.!" show. But she feels disappointed when she reads the letter her dad sent later on, because her dad failed to mention how she's changed. So, now Molly is determined to to get curly hair in addition to winning the role of Miss Victory. Molly gets the Miss Victory role and manages to get curls--but then she falls ill. Molly is sure things couldn't get worse, but a surprise awaits Molly. The last book in the Molly series, I thought that this one was one of the best in the entire series.

In Changes for Molly, Molly gets chosen to dance and be the star. When her and her friends decide she needs a permanent wave and it doesn't work out, Molly's sister has a brillant idea. Then, somethig changes and Molly might not be able to dance for Dad! Oh no! At the end of the book, Molly has more hope that Dad might be able to see her dance after all... even if it's not in the program.

I thought this book was great. You will love this book. It's about love, hope and something more than just haveing the glory.

This book is worth the money. I've read it millions of times and I've never tired of it. It's so touching, it just makes you want to get up and hug every member of your family.

I really wanted to meet Molly's Dad though.

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Felicity Merriman, a nine-year-old girl living in the America of 1774. In this book, Felicity begins another charming summer at her grandfather's plantation. However, when Ben, her father's runaway apprentice, shows up, Felicity must make some very profound decisions.

The final chapter of this book contains an interesting look at outdoor life in 1774 America. This is another very good American Girls book. Not as gritty as some others, it is nonetheless highly informative, and a really good read. My daughter and I both highly recommend it to you.

While all of the books in the American Girls series teach young girls about the role of women throughout American history, the Felicity stories show a young woman well ahead of her time in Colonial Virginia.

In this book, she rescues her friend Ben Davidson after he unsuccessfully tries to sneak away from his apprentice contract to join George Washington's army. Because the idea of young girls rescuing older men is radical even by today's standards (tradditional culture says it should be the other way around) this is inspiring for young women. Ms. Tripp shows that women have as much right to take charge of a dangerous sittuation as young men do.

In this book alone, Felicity argues with Ben, gets dirty and sweaty and devises a successfull rescue plan. This is a long ways from the "dainty behavior" that was prefered by her society. Throughout the book other characters attempt to remind her to be more ladylike only to come up short--Felicity is too independent for their tastes.

Even though the fictional story is set in the past, I am willing to bet it will inspire more than a few girls to acchieve their dreams.

When Felicity goes to grandfathers plantation, she finds a message in a bird bottle that starts her off on another adventure.I love Felicity Saves The Day and you should definitly read it!

These books are perfect for any young girl (6-10). The girls in all the books are brave, loyal, kind, helpful, and many more quailities you might want your daughter to posess. And they have enough adventure to keep any girl interested. Read them all, get a doll, and discover the world of American girl.

"Happy Birthday, Felicity" was an awesome book. In it Felicity finds something will happen to start the Revolutionary War. It's Felicity's birthday month. Felicity is very happy. She has a new lamb (Posie), a new guitar and her Grandfather is visiting. Then something awful happens. Felicity has to find a way to sound an alarm, or else Williamsburg will never be the same. This book is the best book in the Felicity Series.

This is a charming story that really brings to life the time period of the 1770's. My daughter(6 years old) was fascinated by all the books in the Felicity series, but really identified with the birthday story. She now realizes that kids are kids, no matter when they grow up, but she also has become fascinated with historical Williamsburg. As a teacher, I am able to see the value of connecting history to a child's life with these books. I highly recommend reading these!

The Book Come Back, Amelia Bedelia is about a woman who takes things to literally. She goes from job to job making total chaos. It seems as if she can do nothing right. Every job she gets fired from, she is left dumbfounded and confused, she doesn't know what she did wrong. The book starts, like it ends, back to cooking the cream puffs.
I personally though the book was quite good. It was very humorous and full of excitment. Some of the things she does, are unthinkable. You may be able to relate the character Amelia Bedelia to people you may know in real life. The book also teaches a good lesson, don't always take things, for how they are said.

Ryan J.

I read a hilarious book called Come Back Amelia Bedelia written by Peggy Parish. Of course Amelia Bedelia is my favorite character. I like her because she seems so friendly but funny. Amelia Bedelia cracks me up because every time she tries to do a job she does it wrong. If I were her I'd keep trying my best. If I could have maid I would pick Amelia Bedelia because she can cook well, ans she isn't hard to get along with. If she left I would be sad. This is why Amelia Bedelia is a good book.

While Amelia Bedelia was removing her chocolate cream puffs from the oven, Mrs. Rogers asked for cereal and coffe for breakfast, (she should have said "a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee,") Poor Amelia poured coffee over a mug of cereal and Gave it Mrs Rogers. In Return, Mrs. Rogers Fired Her, without consent from her husband. So Amelia Bedelia volunteers as a beautician's assistant and pins up a client's hair with sharp safety pins and sticks her. After that she is hired as an assistant-beautician and cuts up expensive dresses to rags, after she stamps some letters at the Post Office by Jumping on them, and sews up a cut with sewing thread, Amelia Bedelia almost forgets about her cooled dessert at home. So she goes back and makes the chocolate cream, so Mrs. Rogers forgives her and rips up the pink slip. After that, at lunch, She heats Mr Rogers a can of soup without opening it in a no-water saucepan on the gas stove.-DANGEROUS. But since then ther have been many Amelia Bedelia Books, and no pinks slips.

A nice touch to let me know what ginko is and what it does, but poor on the overall plan. I wanted something that would say "if you walk this much, weigh this much, eat this..." I got a few ideas, not much of a roadmap.

This book is the perfect complement to Don Tinder's Fitness for Golfers Handbook which gives fitness tips that can help your body deal with the demands of golf.

I starting working out by reading a book on fitness for golfers and found that my game and self-confidence improved! Now I have bought this book to supplement my energy level on the course and found that my game has been the best ever! For years golfers have neglected taking care of the inside, as well as the outside of their bodies, and this has come at a high price. With a sound nutritional program and a sound exercise program, I have become the golfer I always wanted to be, thanks a million!

I think other people should read it because it's nice how her father gives her something valuable to her. Also because it's kind of fun how they repair the church. I think Josefina took good care of the goat, Sombrita. [Karla Cortez]

Josefina is glad that her birthday is coming up. 9 going on to 10 was a great age to be! She could go on top of the church to replaster the church and help Tia Magandla, the healer, also her god-mother! She saved a life and got a kid named Somberetia, little shadow. To find out more, read this book!

This is another one of the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a nine-year-old girl (almost ten!) living in the New Mexico of 1824. In this book, Josefina finds joy in the work around her father's rancho, particularly nursing a newborn baby goat that has lost its mother. When she spends the day with her aunt Magdalena, the town's healer, she begins to think that she would also like to become a healer. But, there are big responsibilities that come with such a career. Tia Magdalena says that if she is to become a healer she will know...and Josefina may be about to find out!

The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at growing up in New Mexico in 1824. And, as always, Jean-Paul Tibbles' beautiful illustrations make a wonderful addition to the text.

This book certainly goes a long way towards maintaining the tradition of excellence that one associates with the American Girls books. My daughter loves the stories, while I like the lessons that the author gently weaves throughout the book. My daughter and I both highly recommend this book to you.

This book was great .I thought the little girl was very brave for sticking up for all the people that were picked on.the bully picked on molly the first day that molly arrived to the new school.when she finally came to un end the bullys reolized that she sticks up for her self un like the kids that they picked on.So they became friends and told the boolys to not bully the other kids that they used to.

This is the first in the American Girls Short Stories series about Molly McIntire, a nine-year-old girl living on the home front during World War 2. It is 1944, and Molly and her family are learning to live with wartime shortages and the absence of their Army doctor father. With Halloween right around the corner, Molly and her friends have to come up with a set of costumes that will include all of them. (Cinderella and her two stepsisters? Yeah, but who wants to be an ugly stepsister?) However, trouble is on the horizon as Molly finds herself drawn into a small war with her brother!

My daughter and I enjoyed this book. In many ways, it showed how the World War 2 home front was both similar to normal times and different. I especially liked the final chapter in this book, which looks back to 1944. I thought that it did a good job of explaining the war to children. Overall, we do recommend this book to you!

Molly,nine, is living in the 1940s with her family Mom, pest Richey, Jill a young lady and little Brad. For Hallowen Molly and her two friends are dressing up and having a great time untill Richey ruins it with a mean trick. Molly will not let Richey ruin her hallowwen or her friends so molly gets back at him with a other trick. Molly is a brave little girl and will not let her brother bully her.

The second book in the Kit series, this one is not all the best of the lot. Kit seems to be very much snobbish and rude, not to mention constantly complaining about the "bothersome boarders." I was, to say in the least, bored with this book about Kit, which to me seems inaccurate, especially Kit's comment about the Pilgrims and Indians. The other five books in the series do a much better job than this one, which does very little to develop the characters in the series. Perhaps the only good thing about this book is the scene where Kit gets a shock at the soup kitchen, and changes her attitude. I bought this one so that my collection doesn't have a hole in it--otherwise I would not have even bothered. The other School stories in the American Girls Collection that were written by Valerie Tripp--the ones about Felicity, Josefina, and Molly, do a much better job than this one.

Candace

I have enjoyed most of the "American Girls" books and can applaud the way they make American history come to life for girls, but I was upset by the classroom scene in "Kit Learns a Lesson" in which the teacher and children discuss Thanksgiving. It is not only sad that Kit explains Thanksgiving as the day when the Pilgrims thanked the Indians (instead of the day when the Pilgrims thanked God), it is inaccurate, and no 1930s teacher would have let it pass. It is too bad that the author felt the need to revise history to make her book P.C. Otherwise, Kit is a fine, lively heroine, the plot is exciting and the setting basically believable.

This is another in the American Girls Short Stories series about Kit Kittredge, a nine-year-old girl living in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is 1934, the Great Depression is deepening, and Kit begins to find out just how bad things are. Having spent her time waiting for her father to get a job, so that they can send away their intrusive boarders, she visits a soup kitchen and makes a disturbing discovery.

As with the other Kit books, this one gives a frank look into life during the Great Depression, while also teaching a lesson. In this book, Kit learns that a lesson in cooperation and thankfulness. Again, Walter Rane's illustrations are excellent, and add greatly to the story. Also, the final chapter is about school children during the Depression. As always, my daughter and I love this book, and recommend it to you.

I've read all the Josefina books! They are great! If you have a daugter who is 6 and up and interested in different cultures Buy her Josefina books. They are a little over priced.

Josefina (pronounced "ho-sa-FEE-nah") is a nine year old Hispanic girl growing up on a large rancho in New Mexico in 1824. The first story opens up with Josefina and her three older sisters finding comfort in daily chores while thinking about Mama, who had died a year before. Then, Abuelo (Grandfather) returns from a trip to Mexico City, bringing with him Tia (Aunt) Dolores. From then on, Tia Dolores is the catalyst for change. The educated, independent young aunt brings new beliefs about a woman's role and challenges the more tradional role that Mama had played in the family. Fortunately, Tia Dolores is a wise and gentle teacher who teaches Josefina that learning new things or doing things differently does not mean forgetting the old. Memories of Mama can be found in learning to read and write, repairing her embroidered altar cloth, celebrating Christmas, and in learning to care for the family and household. Josefina learns that her heart can embrace her cultural traditions while her spirit flies free on the wind of personal, family, and cultural changes.

New Mexico Hispanic traditions and the historical lifestyle are accurately portrayed through Josefina's daily routines. The focus on Josefina and her world makes the stories relevant and interesting to the readers. Readers learn about laundry, cooking and baking, food choices, gardens, trips to the river for water, friendships, family roles, manners and codes of conduct, and celebrations. Josefina's family faces tragedy in a flood, hard work to recover losses and maintain daily existance, the emotional conflict of change, and other choices appropriate to the world they live in. Additional historical information for each story is at the back of each book, making this a history lesson that goes down with a spoonful of sugar and much enjoyment.

Each book is only 4 chapters long, and if all you want out of it is a nice story, then this series will deliver it in a historical setting that is new to many readers. Because of the excellent research that was done, this series can be used for new students (children and adults) of Southwest history. However, those who want to look deeper will find that the themes of the stories work well with New Mexico history of the time. In 1821, the Santa Fe Trail opened up, bringing Americans to Santa Fe. They brought new goods, created a merchant class, and brought values that were more materialistic than either the Hispanic or Pueblo people had lived by. Josefina, like other members of the younger generation, would spend a lifetime learning about choices, change, and deciding what traditions to hang onto. The Hispanic culture did change, and the wealthy merchants adapted to an Americanized world while rural communities sought to continue to live by their cultural traditions. Either way, the world that Josefina and her sisters inherited would not hold for them the same roles, expectations, and choices that their grandmother had. It is a credit to the Hispanic people that they held onto so much because they did it against discrimination, and in the face of change. To this extent, Tia Dolores is the symbol of this coming change, and Mama is the traditions that they must choose to remember and honor. I reread this series occationally, and it still brings much to my life. Although the brevity of the books is deceptive, I would stick with the publishers recommended reading age of 8-12 (about second through sixth grades) because there is so much that can be learned and enjoyed in these books that a younger child may miss.

As a grown up, hispanic woman who grew up in New Mexico (whose grandmother's name was actually Josefina), I must say that these books are very factual and well written. Hispanic culture does not change much from generation to generation, and the depictions of the culturally rich traditions of a hispanic family from that area of the country are perfect. These books are a joy to read!