author: Valerie Tripp
illustrator: Walter Rane
vignettes: Susan McAliley
genre: historical fiction
age appropriate: independent reading - 8 years and up / read aloud-6 years and up
characters: Kit, Mother, Father, Charlie, Aunt Millie, Ruthie, Stirling, boarders
summary: There are a series of Kit books based on the American Girl doll, all taking place during the depression in the 1930's. Meet Kit is the first book and gives a picture of how this young girls life changes when her father looses his job. They have to take in boarders in order to afford their home and Kit must give up her room. She has to wear clothes that are too small. She sees people who are better off than her, as well as people who are less fortunate. The author allows readers to learn about how the depression impacted so many people in different ways but still keeps the story lighthearted through Kit's relationships with her family and friends. Each book ends with vignettes explaining historical facts from the story with real pictures from that time period.
comments: I am not a fan of American Girl basically because it is so commercial and I cannot comment on any other book series they write. However I love this series! My six year old daughter received the doll and books as gifts and I read aloud to her, we are both addicted. It is fascinating to follow one family as they cope with the challenges of this difficult time in history. The little things you learn about what people did to get by, such as plant vegetable gardens in their front lawn, keep chickens in their yard or use potato sacks to make underwear are amazing. It may not appeal to an entire classroom but it is excellent for a school aged girl.
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