Historical Girls Books

[kitti515]

I just re-read all of Felicity's books, and I have to say, I'd forgotten how great they are! It made me want to read all the other historical books - sadly, I don't think my university's library has them. Oh well. I especially love the "Peeks into the Past." I remember being all proud of my knowledge of colonial life in elementary school when we were learning about that era (and of course when we took our trip to DC and Williamsburg in 8th grade). I think I even performed the Felicity play for my class in 6th grade...and perhaps brought my doll to school? AG dolls are certainly beautiful and fun to play with and collect, but I truly believe it is this link to history that the books provide which sets the dolls apart from other 'toys.'

I also appreciate the way the books deal with real issues without being depressing or disturbing. For example, Felicity's grandfather dies, but the book leaves you with a feeling of hope. The real world isn't perfect, and the books set up these characters as role models of strength and courage in matters that transcend centuries.

I guess I don't really have a question . . . just wanted to share my newly rekindled passion for the books...

[Shawniec]

I also like the books a lot, although I'll have to admit I haven't had the chance to read one through yet: My 6 year old will get very excited about the book, then I will read a chapter or two, and that will be enough for her. Of course, I don't expect to be able to read her more than one or two chapters at a time, but the problem is that I can never get her to come back to listen to more.
I should just read them on my own, but I had so wanted it to be something we could do together! She loves the dolls, and she likes to hear me talk about their time periods and things that were going on.
Hopefully it will all come in time. Reading was a very important part of my life growing up, so I think the whole AG concept is a brilliant one!

[moderator]

Becca, yay! I agree with you, 100%! I don't have many official American Girl items, but I decided early on that the books were very important to me and I wanted to have all six books for each historical character. I often try to read them at holidays...for example, Molly's first book is great to read in October, followed by her school book in November and Christmas book in December. Though it probably would only take most people a day to read an entire book, we can slow ourselves down by only reading a chapter a day or less.

Do you live near a public library? It might be easier to find the books there than in a university ilbrary (if yours is like mine, there aren't *any* children's books, just boring journals and academic books). The difficult thing with libraries, though, is that you might end up reading the books out of order. When I read them this way I had to wait forever to read Samantha Learns a Lesson, for example, because it was always checked out! I never realized how the books had a real order to them of events and needed to be read in order.

Isn't it funny how American Girl teaches us history in such an entertaining way? I feel like I already know so many things in college history classes, and/or it increases my general interest in the subject. Right now I have a class on US history from 1917-1945, and my first thought was, "Oh, Kit and Molly lived then. But first I have to get through the '20s." [img]eek.gif[/img]

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 23, 2004 09:01 AM: Message edited by: Melissa ]</font>

[dianasmama]

and, don't forget...some of the books are available as cassette tape sets! My library has Meet Molly and Meet Kirsten on a tape, and a complete 6 book tape set for Felicity, Addy and Josefina!

Diana loved listening to the one about Molly and Ricky spraying the girls after Halloween trick or treating!

Laurie

[QNPoohBear]

well said Becca! I totally agree with you! I loved visiting Williamsburg with my Felicity and seeing the gunpowder magazine and the Governor's Palace! Our state library system has many American Girl items available, even the dress patterns! If you present your college ID to the local public library you can possibly get a library card and if they do inter library loan you may also be able to hunt down more of the books!

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ September 23, 2004 02:24 PM: Message edited by: QNPoohBear ]</font>

[ubarose]

The books are just so well written. When I read them to my daughter, we do a chapter a night. I have to struggle not to read ahead after she goes to sleep.

[lieu2]

I read the entire collection from the public library. Except Kaya's books because she wasn't developed yet. I just recently bought her story collection from Costco. I keep meaning to read them but it seems as if my daughter is always calling me.