Tuesday, September 15, 2009

American Girls' Debut: Kirsten, Molly, Samantha

On September 15, 1986, the first three American Girl dolls representing different historical periods debuted. They were joined in later years by Add, Felicity, Josefina, and Kit. More than 11 million dolls and 105 million books about them have been sold.
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009

As a child, I was never introduced to the series of books or the dolls... I feel very deprived! They are wonderful book - so resourceful and the dolls make great companions for young girls. I think each girl should have at least one doll and the book series to go alongside! They would make a great Christmas gift!

Shaw, Janet Beeler.
Meet Kirsten.
American Girl Collection Series: Kirsten #1.
1986.
American Girls Publishing, Incorporated.
Guided Reading Level: Q

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Nine-year-old Kirsten and her family experience many hardships as they travel from Sweden to the Minnesota frontier in 1854.

Kirsten's American Girl series introduces readers to the lifestyles of an American Immigrant. Children will be surprised to learn just how little an immigrant was able to bring of his or her life on their voyage to America. The book does a wonderful job showing the emotions faced by Kirsten, a young immigrant girl, as she makes the voyage to America and begins to settle into her new life. The information found at the back of the book makes the perfect companion to Kirsten's story, as factual information is provided about America in 1854. This is the first of the American Girl series that I have recently decided to add to my collection, and after reading it, you'll see why a teacher would want this on her bookshelf!

Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:
Other Books in the Kirsten Series:
Tripp, Valerie.
Meet Molly.
American Girl Collection Series: Molly #1.
1986.
American Girls Publishing, Incorporated.
Guided Reading Level: Q

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

World War Two turns Molly's family upside down. While her father is away, war threatens to break out on the McIntires' home front, too.

This book would be the perfect complement for girls when reading and learning about World War II. I really enjoy the historical information that is shared in the American Girl books. In this particular book, we learn about the Victory Gardens (click on the link to learn more!) that were grown during World War II. While it is historical in that children are learning about World War II, it also shows children how other children their age lived during that time period, allowing them to make connections between life then and life now! Very resourceful!

Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:
Other Books in the Molly Series:
Adler, Susan.
Meet Samantha.
American Girls Collection Series: Samantha #1.
1986.
American Girls Publishing, Incorporated.
Guided Reading Level: Q

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

In 1904, nine-year-old Samantha, an orphan living with her wealthy grandmother, and her servant friend Nellie have a midnight adventure when they try to find out what has happened to the seamstress who suddenly left her job.

Samantha, to me, was quite different than Kirsten or Molly... She lived an entirely different lifestyle, which I suppose is important to show, especially when depicting different time periods in American history. Her beginning story was well told however, and the historical background provided at the back of the book enlightens readers to the non-fiction aspect of life during the early 1900's. Another wonderfully written historical fiction work!

Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:
Other Books in the Samantha Series:
If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.
Posted by at 10:00 AM
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1 comments:

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Susan said...

My 7-year-old daughter loves, loves, loves these books. There are tons of them and she's read almost all.

BTW: I gave you an award on my blog. You can see it here - http://blogginboutbooks.blogspot.com/2009/09/roll-out-red-carpet.html

September 17, 2009 at 7:28 PM

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